Mariinka

Mariinka (2026)



7.5 2026 94 min —

Director: Pieter-Jan De Pue

Documentary
In the volatile landscape of Eastern Ukraine, the lives of childhood friends are torn apart as the battle lines keep shifting. Natasha, once a rising star in the boxing ring, now swaps gloves for a medic’s kit on the frontlines. Angela, orphaned early in life, scrapes by smuggling supplies to both warring factions. Meanwhile, the bonds of blood fracture in a contemporary tragedy—brothers Mark and Ruslan find themselves on opposing sides of the conflict, facing each other in combat. Across the ocean, sheltered by his adopted American family, their youngest sibling Daniil watches the war unfold from a safe distance, helpless and haunted.

More About This Film

Directed by Pieter-Jan De Pue, the documentary Mariinka serves as the opening film for CPH:Dox and presents an arresting yet tonally wide-ranging exploration of life in a war-torn region. The film traces the interwoven lives of a group of young Ukrainians hailing from the frontline town of Mariinka, capturing their experiences over a decade that has violently altered the course of their existence.

The narrative delves into how the ongoing conflict has divided families and fundamentally changed the trajectory of these individuals' lives. By focusing on personal stories amidst the broader geopolitical turmoil, the documentary offers an ambitious execution that highlights the human cost of war through intimate, ground-level perspectives.

This production marks a significant entry in contemporary documentary cinema, noted for its scope and emotional resonance. As a 2026 release, it arrives with high anticipation following its premiere status at major festivals, positioning itself as a crucial historical record of resilience and displacement in modern Ukraine.

  • Mariinka was selected as the opening film for the CPH:Dox documentary festival.
  • The film is directed by Belgian filmmaker Pieter-Jan De Pue, known for his immersive storytelling techniques.
  • The documentary covers a ten-year timeline, documenting the long-term impact of the war on local youth.
  • It focuses specifically on the frontline town of Mariinka, a location frequently cited in news reports regarding intense combat zones.

Where to Watch

You can currently find information about upcoming streaming releases and festival screenings for Mariinka (2026) through official distributor channels and platform waitlists.