SHE
The documentary project «VARTA» presents the third short film novella «SHE».
Duration: 20 min
Theme: Women at war / Medics / Snipers / Assault troops
Premiere: September 2024
Purpose: Film festivals, curated screenings
Synopsis
“She” tells the stories of women serving in various military roles: medics, snipers, and assault soldiers. Through their personal accounts, the film reveals the realities of war — their emotions, experiences, and the inner strength that drives them. Filmed during the full-scale invasion, this documentary conveys the resilience, pain, and unbreakable spirit of the women defending Ukraine’s independence.
The novella “She” is dedicated to the memory of one of its heroines — Valentyna “Valkyria,” who gave her life for Ukraine and did not live to see this film.
Hero stories
Khrystyna “Mivina”
Role: Combat Medic — Frontline Medical Unit
Project: VARTA / SHE
Khrystyna, call sign Mivina, is one of the heroines of the novella “SHE.”
She grew up among people shaped by struggle and closely connected to the military.
“Ukraine is a country where two parallel realities coexist: incredible courage and indifference. It is a country that can live alongside both the bravest and the weakest. It is a constant defense of one’s own interests.”
Sofiia Yanchevska
Role: —
Project: VARTA / SHE
Sofiia Yanchevska is a heroine of the novella “SHE.”
She was raised in a family of volunteers who stood up for Ukraine’s independence in 2014.
“To be Ukrainian means not accepting injustice.”
Dariia “Kara”
Role: Combat Medic
Project: VARTA / SHE
Dariia, call sign Kara, is one of the heroines of the novella “SHE.”
She worked in a hospital before joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine at the end of 2022.
“This is my place. I didn’t come to win or for some abstract higher purpose. I came solely to be useful as a medic — to help our guys. I came to support my people, who are undoubtedly the best people in the world.”
Olena “Yara”
Role: Combat Medic
Project: VARTA / SHE
Olena, call sign Yara, is a heroine of the novella “SHE.”
A combat medic whose military path began during the ATO and has lasted for over 10 years.
“Have I seen a miracle? Yes… when a comrade was killed by a tank shell just two meters away from me — and those two meters saved my life.”
Valentyna “Valkyrie”
Role: Combat Medic, 3rd Separate Assault Brigade
Project: VARTA / SHE
Valentyna was one of the heroines of the novella “SHE,” but she never lived to see the film.
Valkyrie was killed in action together with her beloved in the fall of 2024.
“These years at war are the happiest years and days of my life. Because I know I am where I am needed. I am doing what must be done. I know I will live in a free country.”
Brittany “Captain”
Role: Tank Commander
Project: VARTA / SHE
Brittany, call sign Captain, is a heroine of the novella “SHE.”
In Canada, she served as a tank commander, leading a platoon. In spring 2023, she trained Ukrainian tank crews on the Leopard 2 system.
In February 2024, she came to Ukraine to fight alongside her friends.
“I started to feel like — what am I doing in Canada? All I’m doing is training, and for what? I had skills that could be used in war right now. So I made the decision. I landed here in February 2024.”
Rebecca
Role: Combat Medic
Project: VARTA / SHE
Rebecca is a combat medic in the Ukrainian military and a heroine of the novella “SHE.”
She came from the United States, leaving her life behind to support Ukraine. Before the war, she was a certified nurse and loved her profession.
“I love my soldiers so much. If I didn’t have my soldiers, I wouldn’t be here. They are behind everything I do. I would do anything for them — and they know that.”
Stills gallery
Behind the scenes
SHE continues VARTA’s approach of portraying war through personalities — through intimate, direct testimony and everyday routines that become extraordinary in wartime.
The novella focuses on the lived experience of women on the front line: responsibility, resilience, and the emotional cost of service. The camera holds on details — hands, eyes, pauses — where the truth is often stronger than words.
SHE is not a reconstruction.
It is a portrait of real people living through war.
Awards & media mentions
FILM DETAILS
DIRECTOR
EVGEN BROOKS
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
MARIANA SHAFRO
EDIT BY
MARK SHUST
DIRECTOR ASSISTANT
SOFIIA CHAIKOVSKA
MUSIC COMPOSER
IGOR KIRILENKO
COO
YULIIA BYRLAD
PHOTOGRAPHER
MARIANA SHAFRO
COSTUME DESIGNER
OLENKA DIDYK
COSTUME DESIGNER ASSISTANT
MARGO KOZYNSKA
TECH EDITOR / MASTERING (CINEMA & TV)
MARK SHUST
COLOR GRADE
ARTEM VELYCHKOVSKYI
SOUND DIRECTOR
DMYTRO MOROZ
ORIGINAL MUSIC
GERDAN THEATRE
ANASTASIIA KOSTIUK
MORWAN
GRAPHIC DESIGN
KRISTINA AZAD
TRANSLATION
ILLIA NOVIKOV
DCP MASTERING
OLEKSANDR DZHELMACH
RENTAL STUDIO
PATRIOT RENTAL
ACCOUNTANT
NIKITA RYBKA
CAST
REBEKAH MACIOROWSKI
SOPHIA YANCHEVSKA
OLENA SONTSESLAVA
DARIA NESTEROVA
BRITTNEY SHKI-GIIZIS
MISHELLE KASPROVA
OLEXANDRA BATIY
OLHA NOSYK
PUCHKOVSKA KHRYSTYNA (MIVINA)
VALENTYNA NAHORNA (VALKIRIA)
DEN ZDRAVCHEV (DEN)
SPECIAL THANKS FOR SUPPORT
MIKE SHAFRO
YURIY PLESKACH
OLEXANDR BORODYN
KYRYLO JOROV
DANYLO MELNYKOV
SVITLANA ZHOVNIRENKO
PAVLO ZHOVNIRENKO
IVAN HONCHAR MESEUM
ТРЕТІЙ АРМІЙСЬКИЙ КОРПУС
Impact & screening history
Impact of the VARTA Project
VARTA is more than a film series — it is a living document of modern Ukrainian history.
Through cinematic storytelling, the project preserves the faces, voices, and personal stories of those who defend Ukraine today.
Since its launch, VARTA has reached wide audiences both in Ukraine and internationally, becoming a powerful cultural and humanitarian initiative.
Project Impact
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1,500,000+ views across digital platforms
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1,000,000+ UAH raised to support Ukrainian military units
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International premieres in Ukraine, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Latvia, and the United States
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Screenings, discussions, and panel talks with filmmakers, military experts, and heroes of the films
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Media coverage in leading Ukrainian and international outlets
Each screening of VARTA strengthens global awareness of the war in Ukraine and directly contributes to real support for those on the front lines.
How your support works
Your support turns cinema into action
VARTA is an independent documentary project created under real wartime conditions.
Every contribution directly supports both filmmaking and the people whose stories are told on screen.
How support is used
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Production of new documentary films and episodes
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Filming in frontline and military locations
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Editing, sound design, music, and post-production
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Subtitles and international distribution
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Organization of public screenings and discussions
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Direct financial assistance to Ukrainian military units featured in the films
Supporting VARTA means helping preserve historical truth, amplify authentic voices, and transform cultural work into tangible aid.
Ways to support
You can support VARTA in several ways
Donate
Make a one-time or recurring donation to help fund film production and military support initiatives.
Become a Partner
Support the project as a brand, organization, or foundation and become part of VARTA’s cultural and humanitarian mission.
Attend Screenings
Join public screenings, premieres, and discussions to help spread awareness and support the project’s visibility.
Share the Story
Watch, share, and recommend VARTA films on social media and digital platforms to reach wider audiences.
Collaborate
Media, cultural institutions, educational platforms, and festivals are welcome to collaborate on screenings and special events.
Every form of support helps ensure that these stories are told, remembered, and continued.