UkrFilmCatalyst

About me: Originally from the city of Chernihiv in Ukraine, my journey has taken me through several countries before settling in the United Kingdom, where I've spent the last 17 years working in the financial services sector. While my professional life has been focused on finance, I've maintained a deep personal interest in the film industry, particularly in its power to share stories and preserve cultural narratives.
 

Grant Giving Initiative: The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 created an urgent need for support across many sectors. While military and humanitarian aid rightfully took precedence, I observed that cultural initiatives, especially in filmmaking, risked being deprioritized. This realization led me to establish the Ukrainian Documentary Film Fund, a grant-giving initiative aimed at supporting documentary filmmakers in Ukraine. Having worked in finance, I recognized that without dedicated support, this vital cultural sector would face significant funding challenges during wartime.
 

The Importance of Ukrainian Documentaries Today: Documentary films serve as crucial vessels for truth-telling and cultural preservation during this challenging period. For millions of Ukrainians living abroad or displaced by war, these films provide an irreplaceable connection to their homeland, capturing emotions, stories, and places that might otherwise remain unknown to them. Furthermore, in the face of Russia's long-standing use of its film industry as a propaganda tool, supporting Ukrainian documentary filmmakers becomes even more critical. By enabling Ukrainian creators to tell their own stories, we ensure authentic voices reach global audiences, preserving our truth and cultural heritage for future generations. These documentaries not only counter misinformation but also serve as historical records of our nation's experiences during this pivotal time.