Essence Film

Animals in War is a poignant anthology film inspired by true stories of animals impacted by the war in Ukraine. A collaboration between Ukrainian and international artists — including actor and activist Sean Penn — the film is a haunting yet captivating call for global awareness and empathy.

Elaha, 22, believes she must restore her supposed innocence before she weds. A surgeon could reconstruct her hymen but she cannot afford such an operation. She asks herself: why does she have to be a virgin anyway, and for whom?

Alan, Jan and Liya, born in Kurdistan, raised in Stuttgart, want to grant their deceased mother her final wish: to be buried beside her husband, who died in the war, in their home village in Kurdistan. The clan objects, but the three set out anyway. A risky journey to a homeland wracked by strife.

Countries appear and disappear— we could have just been one of them. Caught between visibility and obscurity, Kosovo’s underground music scene is the voice of a post-war generation grappling with isolation in a half-recognized nation.

Johanna believes to find happiness and security in her family live with husband and daughter. But facing her unfulfilled desire disturbs Johanna's serenity.