The film Three Women was selected to conclude this year’s Travelling Docudays UA in Kremenchuk. The film’s captivating plot sparked diverse discussions, ranging from personal memories to a deep appreciation of the Carpathian nature.

The film tells the stories of three individuals from a small village in Zakarpattia called Stuzhytsia. Alongside the director and cameraman, the audience followed the lives of Hanna, a senior left to manage the household alone after losing her family; Maria, a multitasking postman, accountant, saleswoman, janitor, and postmaster rolled into one; and Nelia, a scientist conducting research in a nature reserve. The audience was not merely ‘following’ – they cared and rooted for them, fully understanding the director and cameraman’s transformation from traditional cinematic roles to engaged participants in village life.

How did city residents, unfamiliar with post office work or reserve activities, and lacking knowledge of caring for domestic animals, become so moved by the film? For some attendees, the film evoked memories of their own relatives, childhood, past acquaintances, and also adventures and travels in Ukraine. Before the screening, one of the viewers, Larysa, shared that the film held a personal connection for her, having once attended a volunteer camp in Stuzhytsia.

Travelling Docudays UA in Kremenchuk. Photo by Olesia Musienko

During the discussion, the audience shared their impressions:

“It’s difficult to imagine that one’s whole life can go like this: the same people around, not many options for things to do, and practically the only way to change something is to leave. Plus, it’s much faster to go abroad than, say, making it to Kyiv.”

“You can always choose how you take things. You could wallow in self-pity and grumble, but Hanna Vasylivna stays optimistic – she hasn’t lost her joy for life and remains very endearing. She’s savouring life, even though she’s lived through many challenges.”

“Nelia does an impressive job! Imagine daring to dream of an Antarctic expedition at 50 – and not just dreaming, but taking tangible measures like applying for a postgraduate program and preparing a dissertation. That’s something not everyone can pull off. Moreover, openly celebrating your specific scientific findings [Nelia determines the presence of certain biological species in the area by their excrement – S. O.], despite what others think – that’s a real challenge to the status quo.”

Author: Svitlana Ovcharenko.

Main photo: A still from Three Women.

The 20th Travelling Docudays UA is supported by the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine, the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine, and the US Embassy in Ukraine. Opinions, conclusions, or recommendations do not necessarily reflect the views of the governments, charities, or companies of these countries. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of its authors.