Swedish director Viktor Nordenskiöld’s “The Eukrainian,” which has its world premiere at Copenhagen’s documentary festival CPH:DOX, is an intimate portrait of Ukraine’s deputy prime minister Olha Stefanishyna, a key figure in the country’s push for European integration. Variety spoke to Nordenskiöld about the film, and debuts its trailer here.
Filmed between 2022 and 2024, the doc follows Stefanishyna as she navigates political roadblocks in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, leading her country’s efforts to join the European Union and NATO.
A specialist in EU law, Stefanishyna rose through the ranks of government to become the chief architect of Ukraine’s European ambitions in 2020 at just 34 years old.
“The Eukrainian” offers a glimpse into the inner workings of EU diplomacy, capturing Ukraine’s struggle to secure wartime aid and overcome opposition within the bloc, particularly from Hungary, all while facing an unpredictable global landscape.
“The Eukrainian”
Courtesy of Viktor Nordenskiold, Freetown Films
As the documentary unfolds, it becomes clear that Stefanishyna’s battle is not only against external forces but also within Ukraine itself, where the path to reform remains fraught with challenges, including the fight against corruption and the high-stakes battle for reforms to meet the union’s strict membership criteria.
Nordenskiöld, a journalist who has covered Ukraine since the 1990s, was immediately drawn to Stefanishyna’s story.
“I knew she could embody this complex story,” he told Variety. “She has this incredible presence – she comes through the lens so naturally. She’s deeply emotional yet very sharp in the way she expresses herself. You can see the passion in her. Those qualities are truly compelling to capture on film.”
The doc opens and closes with a poignant scene: a close-up shot of Stefanishyna speaking directly to her children through the lens, expressing her wish for them to lead the life they choose.
“The Eukrainian”
Courtesy of Viktor Nordenskiold, Freetown Films
“Most parents can probably relate to this,” Nordenskiöld writes in his director’s note. “But the fact that she is the deputy prime minister of a country at war, a country that has been invaded, makes the wish frighteningly dire.”
When asked how he gained such access, Nordenskiöld explained, “From the beginning, I wanted the film to feel like a dialogue between two adults. Maybe that’s why I gained Olha’s trust – because my intention was always to engage in an honest exchange. Of course, this is my interpretation of events, and they had no control over the film itself, but I think they understood that my goal was to portray everything as truthfully as possible.”
Beyond Ukraine’s political battle, Nordenskiöld hopes the film sparks a broader conversation about Europe’s future.
“At its core, the film is about the fight for democracy – whether we are truly willing to stand up for it or not. And that question feels even more relevant today. It’s about defending a world order based on democratic values against the rise of authoritarian regimes,” he told Variety.
Nordenskiöld has a track record of documenting strong female leaders, with previous films including “The Feminister,” about former Swedish foreign minister Margot Wallström, and the more recent “Behind the Swedish Model,” featuring former Swedish health minister Lena Hallengren.
“I think there’s something incredibly powerful about women in leadership – the ability to be both strong and deeply emotional at the same time. It’s a rare combination, and some people just have it,” he said, adding about the Ukrainian people, “There’s a resilience there that’s truly remarkable.”
Described as a “truly European” project by its producer Malcolm Dixelius, “The Eukrainian” is a co-production between Sweden (FreetownFilms), France (TAG Film), Belgium (Domino Production) and Ukraine (2Brave Productions), in co-production with ARTE G.E.I.E., RTBF, SVT and Umedia.
“The Eukrainian” will have its world premiere on March 24 at CPH:DOX competing in the F:act Award section, dedicated to films blending documentary filmmaking and investigative journalism.
The festival kicks off today and runs in Copenhagen through March 30.
