Sailing With Babushkas

*The screening will be followed by a Q&A session.

Neil, an optimistic-American-boat captain, moves with his family to Duruitoarea Veche—a tiny village along the Prut River, with a large lake as part. Passionate about sailing, Neil decides to pay tribute to the local community by teaching the village Babushkas how to sail. Skeptical yet intrigued, the Babushkas hardly accept, launching a journey filled with cultural clashes, laughter, and unexpected bonds.

As Neil recruits his new “crew,” he discovers the Babushkas’ rich and often tragic histories. Through shared moments on the river, the women reveal stories of survival: memories of Soviet repression, the brutal deportations to Siberia and Kazakhstan in the 1940s, and the resilience required to rebuild their lives. What began as lighthearted sailing lessons transforms into a heartfelt voyage, connecting Neil to the Babushkas in profound ways.

By navigating the quiet waters of the Prut, Neil realizes that the river holds not only joy but healing. Witnessing the Babushkas’ unbreakable spirit, he gains a new appreciation for life’s strength, humor, and the power of shared pasts.