After surviving the horrors of the Russian occupation of Bucha, Ukraine, residents are rebuilding their city from the rubble. A newly married couple, a schoolgirl, a city official, and a housewife have endured the painful experiences of war, yet they manage to hold onto hope and solidarity. But, how do you rebuild in the wake of growing trauma, especially with war still raging in your country? As time goes on and hopes for a peaceful life fade, they must grapple with mounting tensions within their communities. Shot over a three-year period, the film follows closely five protagonists navigating the complex terrain of inner conflicts, trauma, and a longing for justice, posing questions about the future of a society at war.
Mila Teshaieva
Mila Teshaieva is a Ukrainian-German artist and filmmaker whose work explores how historical narratives and political structures shape both individual and collective identities. Her work received worldwide recognition and was presented in institutions such as the MIT Museum. She is the winner of the German Doc Film Award and the audience award of HotDocs.
Marcus Lenz
Marcus Lenz graduated from the German Film and Television Academy. He is a director and cinematographer. His latest fiction film, Rival (2020), world premiered at Busan IFF, won the Förderpreis Junges Deutsches Kino, and many other international awards.
The Bucha massacre, committed by Russian forces who occupied the area in February 2022, and the subsequent withdrawal of Putin’s troops along with the liberation of Kyiv’s outskirts unfolded in late March of the same year. This tragedy left behind ruins of once-lived homes, disrupted routines, and devoured both distances and the lives of loved…
