Two-time Oscar winner Janusz Kaminski presents Ukrainians in Exile, a short documentary where a woman in Ukraine tells us her story and the hopes she has of other countries taking care of those who were forced to leave her country.
The film’s director Janek Ambros lives in the Polish city of Przesmyl. Near the border with Ukraine, it has become one of the starting points for thousands of people beginning the exodus away from the war-torn country.
Rather than speaking with those who have fled, the film features an unseen woman called “Anya” talking about what life is currently like in Ukraine and muses on what life will be like for those who remain and those who have left. This audio testimonial plays out over footage of those making the journey across the border into Poland, and the massing of Ukrainian troops as they set off to defend their home.
This is a personal account that evolves into a call to arms. Not a literal one asking for weapons to fight the war, but for arms to be opened by nations around the world to those fleeing their homeland. A call that is answered in glimpses of people providing food and shelter. Showing the world that good can always triumph over evil.
When Anya was interviewed, it was only 30 days into the conflict. The war in Ukraine has now been running for nearly 300.
It is a tragedy that it has gone on this long. However Anya’s message of resilience and hope remains as strong, relevant and important today. Ukrainians In Exile proves a moving, effective tool in getting that message across.
Rating: 
Director: Janek Ambros
Stars: Anya
Runtime: 7 minutes
Country: USA
