Ridgefield Film Showing Hits A High Note For Ukraine Support

**News Release Submitted by Ridgefield Responds: Hope For Ukraine**

Jan. 13, 2023

The near-capacity crowd at the Playhouse gave a standing ovation to the powerhouse panel at the screening of “A Rising Fury” this past Sunday January 8th. “What an incredible event!”, commented Ridgefielder Lorraine Morley with glowing praise for the event. “It was very impressive, well-organized, and informative … an afternoon that was moving and memorable,”

The event, presented by Ridgefield Responds: Hope for Ukraine in collaboration with the Ridgefield Independent Film Festival, was organized to raise awareness and understanding about the war in Ukraine and to raise funds for humanitarian aid - to provide safe shelter for people in Ukraine displaced by the war. “There are more than 8 million people in Ukraine who have been displaced by this brutal war,” stated Annetta Hewko, Chair of Ridgefield Responds: Hope for Ukraine. “We are working with MoveUkraine, a Ukrainian non-profit, to provide simple, sanitary communal housing in the relatively safe areas of western Ukraine for these displaced families, who are so often traumatized by the war and the loss of their home, their loved ones and any semblance of ‘normal’ life.”

A highlight for Ridgefield Responds was to announce a major boost to their fundraising efforts - just prior to the event a prominent and generous Ridgefield family offered to match donations up to $20,000. “The generosity of the Ridgefield community continues to inspire me,” said Betsy Brand, Ridgefield Responds Steering Committee member. “I’m grateful and honored to live in such a big-hearted community that engages in such meaningful work”, she added. This match runs through January 15th.

Ridgefield First Selectman, Rudy Marconi, welcomed the audience and spoke about the efforts of the Town of Ridgefield and the residents’ generosity and strong support of Ukraine as the war nears the one-year mark.

Filmed over 8 years, the powerful documentary follows two hopeful Ukrainians from the peaceful protest of the 2013 Maidan Revolution in Kyiv to the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The film had the audience riveted as it showed, with intensely intimate, realistic cinematography, the evolution of this war and the struggle of the Ukrainian people.

An insightful panel discussion and Q&A, expertly moderated by Ridgefield’s own Emmy Award winner, IraJoe Fisher, followed the film screening. Featured panelists included: Ambassador William Taylor, former US Ambassador to Ukraine and current Vice President at the US Institute of Peace, Russia and Eastern Europe, often seen on major news programs as an expert on Ukraine; the film’s director and producer, Kyiv-born Lesya Kalynska; Producer TJ Collins; and Dora Chomiak, President and Board Member of Razom for Ukraine. They shared their insights and perspectives on the film, the war and the humanitarian toll on the people of Ukraine.

The filmmakers provided insight into the film's production, which was the result of over 500 hours of footage compiled over the 8 year period. They also spoke about the individual characters who are featured and the significance of this film project for them professionally and personally. Taylor, through his many years of service both an ambassador to Ukraine and his posts in the middle east and at the the U.S. Institute of Peace, answered questions about the political and military implications of the war as it relates to U.S. involvement, possible Russian actions and what peace really means as the final resolution of the war in Ukraine. Chomiak added perspective on other ways that citizens can get involved and advocate for Ukraine.

Following the panel discussion, the panelists and guests moved to the lobby for a “Taste of Ukraine” Reception where they sampled Ukrainian food, drinks, and culture, including foods prepared by members of the Ukrainian-American community, beautiful live music on the bandura, Ukraine’s national instrument, and an exquisite display of Ukrainian folk art and craft sourced directly from the most prominent folk art centers and workshops in Ukraine. “I am deeply grateful to the 50+ volunteers who helped make this event a success. It really does take a village and we’re proud of the village of supporters and volunteers that is blossoming right here in Ridgefield, Connecticut,” gushed Hewko.

Ridgefield Responds’ fundraising continues. “As of Thursday morning,” reports Julia Voytovych, Steering Committee member and Treasurer, “we are just over 3⁄4 of the way to our match goal. We are so grateful to those who have already given and invite others to join us. There are still a couple days left to take advantage of our generous donor’s match.”

To donate and learn about other ways to help, go to: https://ridgefieldresponds.org