Watch The Babushkas of Chernobyl

The Babushkas of Chernobyl is a poignant documentary film that provides a glimpse into the lives of the elderly ladies who have returned to their homes in the exclusion zone surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Directed by Anne Bogart and Holly Morris, the film explores the lives of the babushkas - or grandmothers - who live in the shadow of the worst nuclear disaster in history.

The film is set in a remote village located deep within the exclusion zone of Chernobyl, where an aging population of babushkas secretly and bravely continues to live despite the radiation hazards. The babushkas are the last remnants of a community whose way of life has been entirely destroyed, yet they refuse to leave the site of their homes, even when authorities advise them otherwise.

The documentary provides an insight into the sense of betrayal that many of the old women feel - first by the Soviet government, and then by the emerging political system. The babushkas lost everything in the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster; they lost their homes, their land, their animals, and their dignity. But rather than be beaten by this catastrophic event, the babushkas have continued to maintain a fiercely independent and self-reliant way of life.

Through her film, Bogart challenges the Western view of the Chernobyl disaster; where most people believe that the area remains uninhabitable, the babushkas prove that life goes on. They provide a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the belief that we can overcome any obstacle if we want to. The film highlights the babushkas' remarkable spirit, strength, and perseverance.

The babushkas live in total isolation, yet they survive. They improvise and adapt, growing their own food and raising their own chickens, cows and goats. The documentary shows fascinating scenes of each element of their self-sufficient lifestyle, such as the way the babushkas’ cook, bake bread, and harvest the area’s abundant stock of wild mushrooms.

The filmmakers delve deep into these women’s lives, revealing their dreams and desires. The babushkas’ faces are weathered and creased, but what comes through is the light in their eyes and the joy they get from life. They laugh often, joke about their colorful past and maintain a strong bond despite their isolation.

At the heart of the film is Valentyna Ivanivna, who has lived in the exclusion zone since the disaster occurred. Ivanivna is the matriarch of the village, a strong-headed woman who keeps her solitude but is eager for adventure. Her life is fascinating and inspiring, with her tales of resistance against the Soviet government, her fight for her homeland and her tales of a life lived.

The other babushkas are equally inspiring. Maria Shovkuta is a delightful character who brings levity to an often-somber subject. Vita Polyakova is possibly the most stoic of the babushkas, yet she is also the most generous with her time, kindness, and affection. Alexander Naumov, a local ranger, provides insightful commentary throughout the documentary, providing the necessary balance by explaining the real dangers of living in the exclusion zone.

The Babushkas of Chernobyl does not aim to address any political or scientific aspect of the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine in 1986. Instead, it is a celebration of life and the human spirit. The film provides a glimpse at a side of the Chernobyl story that has not been told before, and it is possible that it will make the world think about what we can learn from the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Overall, The Babushkas of Chernobyl is an inspiring and captivating documentary about a group of resilient women who refused to give up in the face of utter devastation. It is a tribute to the strong and indomitable character of the human spirit, and it is a testament to the will of these women to survive against all odds.

The Babushkas of Chernobyl is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.