Filmmaker Statement

The Ukrainian-Russian war continues to be one of our world's most consequential stories. The stakes are clearer every day—either Russia emboldens totalitarian movements across the globe, or Ukraine succeeds in protecting itself and democratic alliances for another generation. It is a story that is often (rightfully) being told as the macro conflict between governments, militaries, transnational alliances, and good vs evil. However, when I had the opportunity to film a group of Ukrainian soldiers coming to my hometown of Minneapolis for rehabilitation, I sensed there was an opportunity to add an intimate human dimension to this enormous global story.