Children
Synopsis
The sequel to the documentary film WOMEN delves into the lives of Ukrainian children who fled their homeland with their mothers because of the war. Three years have passed since they began adapting to life in the UK. How has the war changed them? What have they lost and what have they gained in their new home?
Through the stories of Mariia, Sonya, Manya and Timofii, the film explores how children experience emigration, build new lives, integrate into society and dream about their futures. The film offers insight into the strength of family bonds, cultural identity and the resilience of young minds. The deep connection between mother and child is the heart of this film, showing how love becomes the anchor that helps them navigate life between two worlds.
Details
- Year
- 2025
- Type of project
- Shorts
- Running time
- 49 min 34 sec
- Format
- Digital, HD (4K)
- Director
-
Lora Arkhypenko
- Producer
- Lora Arkhypenko
- Co-Producer
- Olia Yenko
- Executive Producer
- Lora Arkhypenko
- Editor
- Andrii Kireiev
- Director of Photography
- Lora Arkhypenko
- Principal cast
- With contributions from: Sofiia Arkhypenko, Daria Dmytriieva, Manya Dmytriieva, Oksana Pobudzey, Sofiia Pobudzey, Mariia Pobudzey, Maryna Chukanova, Tymofii Chukanov, Olesia Tanaka, Laura Fisher, Amanda Jones, Cinty Yarnell, Tim Hodgkinson, Annabel Foulger
Genre
Categories
Production Status
Production Company
Lora Arkhypenko
Page updates
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See also
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WOMEN
Director: Lora Arkhypenko
Year: 2024
A powerful and emotional documentary short film that follows the lives of three courageous women who were forced to leave their home country of Ukraine due to ongoing conflict and war. Through this film, the director wanted to shed light on the experiences of Ukrainian incredibly strong and resilient women. They were forced to leave their homes, their families, and their country in search of a safe place for their children. It wasn't an easy decision, but it was one that they had to make for the survival. Through these stories, we see the struggles they faced in a new country, language barriers, and cultural differences. But we also see the beauty of women's spirit, as they find the strength to rebuild their lives no matter what. Their stories are not just about the war, but also about hope and resilience.
Children of Here
Director: Rabie Mustapha
Year: 2026
In this participatory documentary, filmmaker Rabie Mustapha works with a group of children living in Northern Ireland to tell stories about their family life and cultural backgrounds. Despite the children’s globalised nature, they manage to bring in an insight to specific cultural journeys from Al-Nuba, Halab and the Northern Irish countryside. We see Maya, an inquisitive 9 year old girl whose hobby is to deliver shocking facts within a deadpan and to ask deep philosophical questions. Through an interview with her mom we learn about her Nubian heritage and a long history of generations displacement. Mahmoud and Khalid on the other hand are more calm and observant. Through their filmmaking journey we learn about their Syrian and Turkman heritage. With Mila we see the countryside of Limavady and learn about a more relaxed way of living where children are more connected to nature and where the girl’s artistic abilities are developing. Through this pluralistic film Northern Ireland is portrayed as a changing place with more than one face.
Of Walking on Thin Ice (Camino to Cop26)
Director: Benjamin Wigley
Year: 2022
Can one footprint imprint on our collective consciousness and create change? A walk; a pilgrimage, an odyssey…for the planet. Five hundred miles from London to Glasgow Cop26: Eight weeks, 56 days and more than 56 host organisations, over a thousand walkers and thirty rolls of 16mm celluloid film. Official Selection Encounters Film Festival 2022