From DW Documentary.

The members of the "Nice Ladies" cheerleading squad were used to being the oldest at competitions. But for these women from Kharkiv, Ukraine, being in this team was never just about winning or exercise. It always meant much more.

Then Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine – and their friendship and seemingly indestructible team cohesion were put to the test. Each team member faced a difficult choice: to stay or leave; to remain in their home country or bring their family and themselves to safety. Sveta, a member of the core team, chose to flee to the Netherlands with her family, while captain Valia and coach Nadia held out in Kharkiv, a city that has been bombed repeatedly. Despite terror, heartache, and Sveta’s feelings of guilt for having left Ukraine, the women try to stay connected as their lives and views drift apart.

Director Mariia Ponomarova met the "Nice Ladies" cheerleading squad long before Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine began. She was impressed by their joy and team spirit. This documentary is a long-time observation of the group, capturing the highs and lows of their lives, and showing how friendships are tested in war.

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