Photo: © Save Ukraine
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, more than 20,000 children have been systematically abducted to Russia. A new opera titled “Mothers of Kherson” uses this war crime as the basis for its narrative. But behind the artistic production are real people and their stories.
For example, the story of Yuliia Radzevilova: To protect her son from the constant Russian attacks, she sent him from his hometown of Kherson to a “summer camp” in Crimea—from which he did not return for months. When she realized he was being held captive, she embarked on a dangerous journey to bring him home.
“The Mothers of Kherson—A Documentary on the Making of a Unique Opera” explores these stories. But it also tells the stories of the people who made this opera possible, such as the exiled composer and singer Maxim Kolomiiets; Sasha Andrusyk, who lives in Kyiv and conducted numerous interviews with affected mothers for the opera’s libretto; and the singer Mariia Udovenko, who had to bring her family to safety in Poland.
The documentary follows the opera’s creation process and shows how important art can be during the most difficult times.
Premiere on ARTE: October 24, 2026
Written and Directed by: Jobst Knigge
Camera: Filip Drozdz, Serhii Kirkizh, Jean Schablin, Gosia Szyłak
Sound: Anna Rok, Felix Schlag
Sound Mixing: Julius Hofstädter
Editing: Jakob Kastner
Producer: Tobias Cassau (ZDF)
Music: Hush Hush
A 3B-Produktion production commissioned by ARTE
