Hero, the documentary on Ukraine
Donation protected
Slava Ukraini, This is a fundraiser to raise money for my independent short film in collaboration with American Ukrainian musician Yuriy Fedynsky.
I did an interview with Yuriy about his mission to restore the existence of lost Ukrainian instruments which were played by Cossacks after they were imprisoned as POWs and blinded by the enemy. The Soviets and subsequently the ruzzians have tried their best to destroy the existence of Ukrainian culture.
Yuriy Fedynsky full interview: https://youtu.be/QFyAjyP_Mak
The idea is for me to attend a music festival he is hosting in his village towards the end of July, after which we will visit the frontline to use this traditional and ancient Cossack music to raise the spirit of the troops. We wish to create an upbeat film showing the positive and often comedic spirit of the Ukrainian people, as opposed to most documentaries on Ukraine which show the despair and devastation the country is going through at the moment.
Jurji has agreed to fund £2000 of this film out of pocket for a barebones production and release for this film. We will be applying for additional funding from BFI and Sundance film festival, aswell as any other grants which may become available in the following 12 months before full release which is planned for the summer of 2025.
Jurji has raised this money by doing tours in Europe and in the States, spreading the word of these ancient traditional warrior instruments and by performing at churches and wherever people would have him. As an American born he is allowed to leave Ukraine, unlike other males in the country so he sees it as his mission.
At the moment we have submitted a deck to Channel 4, and we will be seeing if any other distribution platforms have interest in showcasing this film once completed. The integrity of the film is of utmost importance to us, however seeking distribution to spread the story of what is happening on the frontlines is paramount to the survival of Ukrainian heritage and legacy.
Please help us preserve a part of history and an almost lost tradition by helping us reach our goal of the funds necessary to create this film with the best tools and by allowing me to embolden my safety. Every contribution helps, and we will be holding a private screening for backed in London once the short film is completed (estimated date sometime in December 2024).
As I will be driving I intend to use the remaining space to bring much needed supplies (such as food and first aid) to people living near the front lines, so any remaining funds once I am able to procure all equipment will be put to good use.
Schedule
Production planning: currently
Filming in Ukraine: July 15th - August 15th
Final Edit for Sundance deadline submission: Aug 15th to September 15th
Post production fundraising: Q4 2024
All Final asset creation; December 1st
Private Screening for backers in London: December 2024
Final release and marketing: 2025
Organizer
Orest Mayski
Organizer
England