The Netherlands and Sweden share strong values in freedom of speech and artistic expression. They share strong support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. They share strong support for promoting and strengthening Ukrainian cultural heritage and artistic talent. The resilience of the Ukrainian people and how the arts and the artists are a force in this and the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage for the future.

Directed by Mariia Ponomarova - who attended and spoke at the screening – this documentary follows a team of ageing Ukrainian cheerleaders as they navigate the trauma of war while holding onto their friendship. Marijn Noordam (Head, Political Affairs, Dutch Embassy) and Elin Nordqvist (Head, Culture, Swedish Embassy) welcomed guests. After the screening, we were joined by Mariia Ponomarova and Editor Annelotte Medema for an engaging Q&A session.  

The documentary is a tribute to women who resist. When Mariia was asked what it means to resist, she answered: ‘to resist means to be empowered’. With the escalation of Russia's war on Ukraine, the seemingly unbreakable bond of a vibrant cheerleading team in their fifties, "Nice Ladies", is challenged. The women are faced with the impossible choice between motherland and grandmotherhood, staying and leaving, and core team member Sveta flees with her family to the Netherlands. Torn apart, the ladies try to keep contact to hold on to their sanity amidst terror, heartbreak and survivor's  guilt. Will the team be able to reunite, save their sisterhood and find a common language amid the emerging scars of war? 

These stories are important to tell, and even more important to share.