The Babushkas of Chernobyl–A Documentary

This is a very moving documentary about the women survivors of Chernobyl who refused to leave their homes after the area was legally condemned because of the danger of radiation poisoning. The film was made in 2015, but I did a bit of research, and I think some of the women are still living. I don’t know how the war in Ukraine is impacting them since Chernobyl was targeted by the Russians. The women’s story is amazing. A story of how community and faith in nature and the land can support you against tremendous odds. The survivors of Chernobyl who returned to their homes, as a group, have lived longer than those who were forced to leave after the accident. One of the scientists in the film who is studying the women (who were allowed to stay because they were considered elderly in 1986!) explains that psychological and social factors play a part in staying healthy. People can die from anguish. You can see the documentary at kanopy.com. When you set up an account with your library card, you can watch 3 free films per month.