Support "In the Shadow of the War" – A Documentary Capturing the Resilience of Ukraine's Artists

"A soul without the memory of paradise is helpless against the face of evil" -- Oleksandr Filonenko

Hi, my name is Wesley. Originally from Antwerp, Belgium, now living in London. Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of following the stories of Ukrainian artists, deeply moved by their resilience and unwavering commitment to their craft, even in the midst of war.

In my role at Art Shield, I’ve been dedicated to supporting artists from crisis zones, and it was through this work that the idea for this documentary began to take shape. Witnessing the strength and creativity of these individuals has inspired me to share their stories with the world, and I feel it is my responsibility to help amplify their voices.

This is my first film as a director, and I am fortunate to collaborate with an award-winning, very experienced DOP (Director of Photography) and film and editing team. Their expertise and passion have been invaluable to this project, and together, we are working to ensure the stories of Ukraine’s artists are told with the respect and depth they deserve.

What We Are Looking For:

We are trying to raise £10,000 here to help restart the production of In the Shadow of the War, a feature length documentary capturing the resilience of Ukraine’s artists. This funding will allow us to:

If we don’t reach the full £10,000 here, any contribution will still make a difference, helping us get closer to completing this vital project and ensuring these stories are shared with the world.

Your support can bring the stories of Ukraine's artists to the world.

By contributing to this campaign, you're helping to document and share the resilience, creativity, and spirit of individuals who continue to create amidst adversity.

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a tangible impact.

Watch an edit / test of a scene filmed in Kyiv in August 2024, of which parts will be featured in the final documentary.

Project Overview – What Is This About?

In the Shadow of the War (working title) is a documentary about Ukraine’s artists — painters, musicians, writers, filmmakers, actors, performers, — who continue to create, even as war devastates everything around them. Their art becomes an act of resistance, a way to preserve culture, and a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure.

This film is a journey to show the world that, even in times as difficult as these, art is a powerful force of resilience. As Ukraine faces its darkest hour, these artists not only defy destruction but also prove the quiet power of art to hold identity together, asking whether home is a place, a memory, or a fragile thread we carry through the ruins.

Watch a larger edit we made as a teaser here:

Visuals from the Film

The footage you can see linked here consists of some edits we have made from what we've already shot. These are not final edits and are made to showcase some of the footage we have shot and promote it to potential collaborators. Most of this footage was filmed at Bouquet Kyiv Stage festival in August 2024. The narrating voice in this teaser is that of Professor Oleksandr Filonenko from Kharkiv university. The voice over is in Ukrainian, English subtitles cover the depth of his words. The voice-over (for now) is translated with AI, the final film will use only real voices.

While these edits will not be in the final cut of the movie as they are here, a lot of the footage will be incorporated into the completed film. These clips provide an early glimpse into the heart of the documentary, illustrating the raw power of the artists' work and the resilience that drives them. We have a lot more raw material that needs to be edited. This is just a preview of what is to come.

Film Synopsis

In the Shadow of the War weaves a poetic meditation on the endurance of beauty into a living portrait of resilience — of voices that refuse to be silenced, of creativity that defies destruction.

It is both a witness and a remembrance: a meditation on voices that refuse to be silenced, and the enduring dream of belonging. It is a journey into the heart of Ukraine’s creative community, showing how art, even in the darkest of times, is not just a way of life but an act of resistance — a vital act of preserving identity, history, and culture.

Through a series of reflective interviews, visual storytelling, and narrative, the documentary raises essential questions about Ukrainian identity, the significance of art and its influence on the human psyche, and the unity or division of Ukrainian people during these harsh times. This exploration is not an attempt to find definitive answers but to provoke thought, foster understanding, and reveal the profound connection between a nation’s spirit and its artistic expression.

Why This Film Matters

This documentary is more than just telling the story of Ukraine’s struggles; it is a testament to hope, beauty, and the resilience of a people. It’s about preserving Ukraine’s culture through the power of its artists and showing the world that, even in the face of war, creativity not only survives — it thrives.

Through this film, I aim to reveal a side of Ukraine that many people abroad may not be familiar with — one of artistic brilliance, courage, and renewed vitality. The artists featured in this documentary are fighting to protect their cultural identity, their spirit, and their vision of a future — a future that rises from the devastation with imagination and strength, overcoming the destruction that surrounds them. This is the Ukraine that needs to be seen and understood — a country that refuses to be defined by war, but instead by its artistic expression, innovation, and belief in a brighter tomorrow.

The Total Budget and Fundraising Goal

The total budget for completing the documentary is around $80,000. We’ve already self-invested $20,000 into the project, partly from my personal savings and partly with the generous support of the Dom Master Klass Cultural Institute. The goal of this GoFundMe campaign is to raise £10,000 to restart production and move forward with the next phase of filming.

The remaining $50,000 needed to fully complete the film will be raised through investors and sponsors.

What Your Support Means and How You Can Help

Your support is not just a donation — it’s a small step in helping to preserve Ukraine’s cultural legacy. By contributing, you're helping to amplify the voices of artists whose resilience and creativity continue to inspire, even amidst devastation. Every contribution, no matter how small, ensures that these powerful stories reach the world.

Every donation is deeply appreciated, and your name will be included (unless you prefer not to) in the credits of the documentary as a special thank-you. You will also receive a personalized thank-you message on social media and through our partners platforms.

Here’s how you can help right now:

Donate: Every donation brings us closer to sharing these artists' stories.

Share: Spread the word. Sharing this campaign helps us build momentum and reach more people.

Engage: Stay connected by following our journey here and on social media , and keep the conversation going.

Summary

Fundraising Goal: £10,000

Film Goal: Restart production of In the Shadow of the War

What’s Next: Minimum 4 additional shooting days in Ukraine, editing of existing and new material, global outreach to share Ukraine’s resilience through art. We aim to finish the film by summer 2026.

Additional Opportunities to Get Involved

If you are interested in sponsoring, co-producing, or supporting the film in any other way, or if you would like to see the full budget breakdown, I would be happy to provide more details. Please feel free to contact me directly, and we can discuss potential partnerships. Whether you'd like more information about the film or wish to set up a call to explore how you can contribute to the completion of this documentary, I’m happy to connect with you!

Your support, whether financial or through other means, will make a significant impact and help bring this important story to life.

Thank you

Your support means everything to me.

Wesley

https://www.instagram.com/weswezz/