Help Bring Hope to Ukraine’s Children Through Film

In the heart of war-torn Ukraine, 12-year-old Sonya dreams of a brighter future. She imagines the day when the war is over, and her country can heal. Sonya’s greatest wish is to climb Kyiv’s iconic Mother Motherland statue and send a message to the world, one that carries hope and resilience. But in order to fulfill this dream, she must seek the help of her estranged father—a journey that reflects the struggles and hopes of so many families torn apart by the war.

This is the story at the heart of "Cleared for Takeoff", a short film by Ukrainian filmmaker Katya Rybka, dedicated to the dreams of Ukraine’s children who have seen far too much devastation. The war has changed their world overnight, forcing many to grow up under the constant threat of missile attacks, losing loved ones, homes, and the innocence of childhood. Through Sonya’s journey, we aim to shine a light on their resilience, strength, and unwavering hope.

But this project is about more than just telling a story—it’s about preserving Ukraine’s creative soul in the face of destruction.

Before the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukraine had a thriving film industry, attracting global productions and fostering incredible local talent. But when the war began in 2022, many filmmakers traded their cameras for weapons and reported to the front lines instead of to set.

Katya, once Kyiv’s go-to director for music videos and commercials, is now fully focused on documenting Ukraine’s war effort and the impact it has on its people. Her work has reached international acclaim, from partnering with Google to create documentaries about Ukraine’s tech industry to producing the opening video for the Ukrainian Recovery Conference led by President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Now, she needs your help to bring "Cleared for Takeoff" to life.

With locations, crew, and real-life father/daughter actors ready to film in October 2024, we need to raise $10,000 to cover production costs, including actors, crew, equipment, and post-production. This film is not only a work of art but a message of hope, a symbol of the unbreakable spirit of Ukraine’s children.

My name is Mick Reed, and I’m honored to be one of the producers of this film. I’ve spent my career as a filmmaker and tech founder, and over the past two years, I’ve been volunteering in Ukraine, working with filmmakers, journalists, and nonprofits. Katya has been my gateway to this incredible creative community, and her vision and integrity have inspired me deeply.

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to sharing Sonya’s story with the world. Together, we can remind people that even in the darkest times, hope still soars.

Thank you for your support. Together, we can help end this cruel war, one story at a time.