Today we thank everyone who protects our country, our freedom, and our right to live.

For the Travelling Docudays UA team, this day carries special meaning: our regional coordinator from Ivano-Frankivsk, Andriy Volyk, is a veteran, and our coordinator from Chortkiv (Ternopil region), Oleksandr Stepanenko, is waiting for the return of his son who now serves in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Photo: Andrii Volyk 

Many of our colleagues also have relatives and loved ones defending Ukraine’s future. And there are those we have, sadly, lost in this war.

We bow our heads to all who stand for Ukraine — both on the frontlines and in the rear. Thank you for your courage, sacrifice, and strength. Most of you had no military background before the full-scale invasion, yet you put aside your civilian lives for the safety of our country.

Your resilience inspires us to continue speaking the language of documentary cinema about freedom and human rights.