Ukraine-Set Drama About Trans Man Barred From Fleeing War Wins Tokyo’s Ethical Film Award

German director Isabelle Stever’s “I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming” has won the Tokyo International Film Festival’s Ethical Film Award, spotlighting a story rooted in Ukraine’s war and gender identity. The film follows a trans man who is prevented from leaving the country when martial law restricts most men from crossing the border. The Ethical Film Award, launched in 2023 with sponsor Sumitomo Corporation, recognizes films addressing the environment, poverty, and discrimination. A jury selects the winner from three nominees. Stever’s film stood out for its raw, intimate portrayal of a rarely seen perspective in wartime narratives. By focusing on a trans man’s struggle to flee, the drama raises urgent questions about who is allowed to escape conflict and how identity shapes survival. The award brings international attention to both the filmmaker and the broader human rights issues at stake. As Ukraine’s war continues, stories like this are crucial for understanding the layered consequences of conflict on marginalized communities.