By: Katya Soldak
Amid relentless Russian air-raid alerts and recent missile strikes on Kyiv, the city bravely hosted the 23rd International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival, Docudays UA, from June 5-12. Despite safety protocols directing audiences to shelters during attacks, the festival showcased 82 films from 36 countries, including 33 Ukrainian productions, across three central venues. Many films explored themes of war, injustice, and abuse, with Ukrainian filmmakers particularly focused on documenting war crimes. "Green Light" won the international prize, while "Don't Ask Me If I Killed" received the DOCU/Ukraine Grand Prize for its raw portrayal of a soldier's experience. "Where Everything Disappears" earned the Audience Favorite. The festival underscored Ukraine's resilience and commitment to documenting the ongoing conflict and amplifying survivor voices, ensuring these horrific accounts are preserved.












