Project Detail

Children

Interview
Close-up
Women looking in the window
Drone shot
Child

Synopsis

Not just a film about war or emigration, but a story about a generation growing up between two worlds, learning to find its place in a new reality while holding on to its roots. It is also a story of a mother’s love - steadfast, nurturing and unwavering - as she stands by her child through uncertainty, offering reassurance, strength and a sense of belonging wherever they go.
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

Categories

Production Status

Production Company

Page updates

This page was last updated on 1st October 2025. Please let us know if we need to make any amendments or request edit access by clicking below.

See also

You may also be interested in other relevant projects in the database.

WOMEN 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.

Feast or Famine Feast or Famine

Director: Adrian Choa, Michael Boccalini

Year: 2026

There is a certain air of mystery around the famed Michelin stars sparsely given to the world’s best restaurants and chefs. Few people can explain the system as well as legendary chef Marco Pierre White, the first Brit to earn three of them - and the first to famously give them all back. This documentary lifts the heavy curtain of secrecy that surrounds high-end dining, with White demystifying the Michelin myth while the highly-regarded team behind East London’s buzzy Angelina restaurant chases their first ever coveted star. Official Selection SXSW London 2026 - World premiere

TCB - The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing TCB - The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing

Director: Monica Henriquez, Louis J. Massiah

Year: 2025

Structured as a series of classes in cultural organising, this film reconstructs the life of a woman whose literary works and film collaborations became a catalysing force in 20th century political movements. Toni Morrison, Nikky Finney and filmmaker Haile Gerima are among those who testify to Bambara's humour, fierce commitment to collective action and gift for galvanising artists into community work. Official Selection DOC NYC 2025 - World premiere Official SelectionTrue/False Film Festival 2026 Official Selection Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival 2026 Official Selection Sheffield DocFest 2026 - European premiere