Life in the cold peaks of the Ukrainian Carpathians | DW Documentary

In western Ukraine, close to the borders of Slovakia and Poland, lies the village of Stuzhytsia. The name can be roughly translated as "cold place." The film tells the story of three women: the farmer Hanna, the postwoman Maria and the biologist Nelya.

In the Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine, the three protagonists must grapple with their social reality - and loneliness. Very few young people live here, but the elderly women are deeply rooted to their village and its surroundings. Over time, the film crew also becomes, at least temporarily, a valued part of the village community.

In a tiny kitchen, Hanna shares her feelings of loneliness with the filmmakers, who she says remind her of her deceased sons. At the village post office, post woman Maria has neither stamps nor heating, but customers are warmed with liquor and songs. Somewhere in the woods and caves, biologist Nelya looks for the animal droppings that are a treasure to her. The film portrays an unknown place at the heart of Europe, where people make a daily choice - stay or leave?

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[tdsfgfdg]

I love this documentary. It depicts a very, very similar environment to the one I grew up in—the Carpathians, but in Slovakia's Hont region. The villages look the same, the forests look the same, the grassfields look the same. My sisters, my friends, and I all gradually left for the bigger world, but I hope that when I finish my studies, I’ll be able to find a job back home and return. I miss it so much, and I don’t want it to disappear. This was just the nostalgia part, but the movie as whole is sooo goood. Thank you verry much people.

[zenoelea]

One of the best documentaries I have seen. ❤️

[Lindsay.k]

You know how to put a documentary together! So so interesting! Thank you so much 💋

[jukesd]

❤Thank you for this fascinating look into the lives of these strong and determined ladies.❤ It’s truly an inspiration.

[farrellware]

This is one of the finest documentaries i have seen in years! It. So reminds me of my childhood, growing up in a different set of mountains. I grew up in West Virginia USA. Totally amazing, all is the same. Thank you so much! Good job! 😊

[xandear]

At first glance, people there seem to be so angry. But at the end of the day, they are so cool. Strong women. I wish the best for all of them.

[oksana-bjfr]

Loved this film - thank you! People are hard working and caring for each other to the last moments of their lives.

[jmaghan]

I rarely comment on youtube but this is a great story and i love to see the people living their way and very determine, simple and self-sufficient.

[LaurieVollenMD-hk]

Gorgeous and mesmerizing documentary. Thanks for this film!

[ataraxia]

omg that old widow is so cute and she really seems to enjoy the presence of the young film crew.

[DARDA]

I would call this film 'San-no Onna' in Japanese. The depth of exploration of human nature in your work is simply awe-inspiring. Congratulations!
This tiny people is called Lemkos. Andy Warhall was one of them.

[justyna]

First class documentary, I simply love it. Many many thanks. ❤❤

[arunaswinnair]

My god I didn't realise how and hr and a half passed... You took us right there as characters in that village. What an effort you guys might have put to bring this life to us.

[RamsteinRussianClub]

Masterful storytelling. A bittersweet peek into a vanishing world.

[happysowerc]

This documentary brought such an unknown and remote place to live in front our eyes. Looks like you lived there a year to get such a vivic pictures of their live. I enjoy seeing the mountains, people their religion.... Great documentary!

[inthemix]

Thank you for the change from everyday life in the Ukrainian mountains, the slow motion without airs and graces and the joy of the budding biologist when she came across excrement in the middle of nature. Hanna Vasylivna will certainly miss the “Germans” and you.

[amandaw]

when the war is over.. which one day it will be.. i need DW to go back. and if its even possible, to get interviews from people now. even if its over webcam. the Ukraine people have a place in my heart ♥️

[hannibal]

Great piece. I love the unrushed pace of the documentary

[GraceAbrhamsGa]

I now want to travel to the carpathian mountains. These are lovely people

[calotamarian]

Reminds me so much of the 90’s in Romania.