Help build back what the war stole from Alina.

Dear fellow photographers and stop motion artists, I am reaching out today because I would like to help one of the most amazing Stop Motion Artists get back on her feet after this terrible war has ripped her life apart and left her in a new country, alone with her daughter and zero belongings. No home, no essentials, no equipment, nothing.

Alina Golovleva (@https://www.instagram.com/so.daze/) had, like many, to leave her husband behind to fight this war while she needed to protect their little girl. I do not know her personally, but I have been following and admiring her work for a while. At the moment the war started her story hit me hard. Seeing her post a beautiful stop motion one day then upload stories from a parking sheltering from bombs the next day was surreal. I want to help her and her daughter get back on their feet in Prague.

I will share her story below but want all of us to remember how hard it is/was to set up our businesses, the expenses, the effort, the equipment needed, etc. Now think how hard it would be to lose it ALL in an instant. Everything you built. And have to restart in a country that is not yours, alone with your 5yo daughter whose life depends on you. Without your partner as he stayed behind to fight for your country. Heartbreaking.

The war has already caused SO MUCH hurt to thousands of families. My heart hurts for them all. It would be amazing to help everyone. From this war like any other. But for a start I would love to help this family. If we can all come together, we can help kickstart this amazing woman’s new life in Prague.

Here is Alina’s story:

“On February 24, we woke up at five in the morning to the sound of explosions. There were a thousand notifications on the phone that the war had started. My husband and five-year-old daughter and I grabbed our backpacks and drove to our friends' house, because they had an underground parking lot where we could shelter from the bombing. We spent 7 days in the parking lot in unbearable cold and stress, with no way to get home. It was very difficult for me to make the decision to evacuate because my husband would not be able to come with us. He stayed to defend our home. But when I saw my five-year-old daughter playing war and waking up crying - there was no more choice. So I took the same backpack with which I left home on February 24 and left for Prague under the bombing. Now I'm here, safe. All my studio and equipment stayed in Kiev. I really want to get back to work to support myself and my family.”

Every cent that gofundme transfers will be sent to Alina to her bank account in Ukraine. I have estimated that she would need 8-10k$ to get the equipment she needs to produce work like she used to make. The rest will be to help her pay for accommodation, food, daycare, health expenses for the first couple of months as she settles in Prague. If you can help in any other way, by offering clothes, a meal...please reach out to her through her instagram account (email is linked on her page).

Also, if you have any stop motion work referrals to pass along to her, please do. Any help would be tremendous! Thank you!!