Mariinka

Director Pieter-Jan de Peu follows young Ukrainians in the front-line city of Mariinka, where more than 10 years of war and conflict in the Donbas have shaped their lives. The documentary shows solidarity, national loyalty, and the fault lines that break even blood ties. Screening at De Balie in Amsterdam. Documentary about war and humanity in Ukraine

In Mariinka, Belgian director Pieter-Jan de Peu follows young people in the eponymous front-line city in the Donbas. More than 10 years of conflict have shaped their lives. The film shows how they cope with war, loss, and loyalty — not as statistics, but as people with their own stories.

The maker behind the film

De Peu previously made The Land of the Enlightened about children of war in Afghanistan. With Mariinka, he travels to the front line in Ukraine. His approach is personal and close: he follows the inhabitants closely and shows the humanity behind the conflict. The film premiered at IDFA and received widespread attention from the international press there.

Connectedness and fault lines in times of conflict

The documentary shows how political conflicts can break even blood ties. At the same time, you see how people seek and find connection, even under extreme circumstances. Mariinka does not turn away from the war, but always places it in a human context.