Aaron

It's been four years since the full scale invasion started in Ukraine-- the war goes on still and in Ukraine conditions may be more difficult than ever. But volunteers like those at @bf.port.frankivsk continue to contribute to the cause of supporting their military. It's also been 3 years since I started making the doc film. That time was one of my most meaningful experiences. Since then its been painful seeing the US gov deteriorate into russian puppetry and feeling like I could've done more. But Ukrainians still live and work and continue to inspire under constant threat. Its a remarkable country with remarkable people and I'm glad I got to share some of their stories. I ask myself often if I should return to Ukraine. And if I do, how I can best help.

@animal.rescue.kharkiv has saved thousands of pets from frontline areas since during the full scale invasion of Ukraine. In @sunflowersintherain.film we documented evacuations of animals from Toretsk and other frontline areas, and show how these pets are treated and rehabilitated at the Animal Rescue Kharkiv clinic.

“I can hide in a bomb shelter, but they can’t.” -An @animal.rescue.kharkiv volunteer on the realities of pets on the front line. Thousands of pets have been rescued from shelling, bombings, and other major acts of Russian aggression. @sunflowersintherain.film brings attention to such groups dedicating their time to saving the animals of Ukraine.

It is everyday volunteers, like those from @base_UA_ngo , who assist in civilian evacuations in Ukraine’s hardest hit regions. @sunflowersintherain.film tells such stories and highlights the role Ukrainians have played in taking care of one another throughout Russia’s invasion.

@sunflowersintherain.film explores the lives of everyday Ukrainians, like those creating community and togetherness through music and dance, in the face of Russian aggression. You can support such artists like @Symonenkomusic , as featured in our film, on Sunday, 20 April at @closer.ua in Kyiv!

“Supply is dependent upon the absence of direct danger” -@sunflowerscotland Wartime supply and demand in #ukraine #standwithukraine

@base_UA_ngo volunteers evacuating civilians during the battle of #Bakhmut January 2023. @sunflowersintherain.film documents the efforts of such heroes risking all to help those affected by Russian aggression. #ukrainewar #standwithukraine

🇺🇦🇺🇸@sunflowersintherain.film , distributed by @indierightsmovies , is now available for rent on Amazon! It's been a long journey but it's finally out, the link is in my bio (or DM me) HELP SPREAD: In order to have a chance at getting on the regular Amazon streaming, we need rents and reviews. For $3 you can watch the film and leave a review, and it’d mean to world to me. My goal was always to counteract the false information about Ukraine being pumped out by people who’ve never been to Ukraine, and in this way you can help me do just that. And if you can share this post I’d be even happier. Thanks so much and glory to Ukraine! Thanks to the team for all the great work: Editor: @o_furzikova DoP: @rozumnyib Composer: @borandallmusic Sound recordist: @didi.armor Sound Design: @no_game @y_antonov 1st AD @anasttas Colorist: @shabat.oleh Addt Cinematography: @ivanka.kate @oriaviram Addt Editing: @potok.mp4 Motion Graphics: @dimitriy_leprechaun Addt Music: @anthomeni @symonenkomusic Music Engineer: @mazureth Prod. Coordinator: @olhatuha Hiring Coordinator: @martseniuk_official Exec Producers: @kirknilsson @og.eric.b #ukrainewar

It was 2 years ago that production on @sunflowersintherain.film kicked off--and just a few weeks later, thanks to the help of @adelheit21 we were lucky to film top comedians in Ukraine @undergroundstandupkyiv at a stand-up show at the beautiful Zhovten Palace in Kyiv. Lately US politics has been saddening to say the least, and recent conversations with Americans make me realize no doubt some might ask sth like "why support a country that puts on comedy during a war". But life doesn't stop during a war. And as our comedian friends like @by_by_duck explain, one needs a chance to laugh when times are hardest. That's what resilience is all about. Not to mention that every show raises funds for the defenders of Ukraine. And in time, the joke that is the US administration will be exposed once more, and we'll laugh even harder. I thank the Kyiv Underground Stand-up crew for their generous time and welcoming spirit, their hilarity and strength. It's a show I'll never forget. This spring you'll be able to catch a few of their jokes and thoughts in our film, stay tuned.

Reflecting on the last two years producing my first feature film, @sunflowersintherain.film - the journey began in earnest in Feb 2023 and introduced me to so many friends, great people, and experiences. It only hardened my belief in the Ukrainian cause and the respect I have for the people there and abroad who have not wavered in spirit even now 3 years after the full scale invasion. On the first year anniversary of the war, as I shot my first interviews in Kyiv, 📷@dicobaskoro took these amazing photos in Berlin of a Ukraine march organized by @vitsche_berlin . Looking back I was ashamed I'd not posted most earlier! Lastly I'm happy to update all that @sunflowersintherain.film has been picked up by @indierightsmovies and will be coming to streaming platforms soon. More to come!

Хочу поділитись із вами нарізкою моментів з відео виступу чудових артистів Symonenko x Sominaryst x Gedzevich ‚The Birth of Kyiv Dance Punk‘ Переплетення жанрів фʼюжн, IDM, круті ритми і паузи, насичені мелодії та нескінченний драйв. Повне відео доступне для перегляду на Youtube, цей рілз - просто моя подяка музикантам і команді за проведену роботу. Перегляньте повний виступ і кайфоніть! Location: Keller Bar, Kyiv, Ukraine 2024 Music by @symonenkomusic , @sominaryst , @gedzevich.gedzevich , @iamwhaler Mastering: @yuriy_bulychev Camera & Video Editing by @macgnarley

Full Concert NOW ON YOUTUBE: "The Birth of Kyiv Dance Punk" by Symonenko X Sominaryst X Gedzevich This is a performance of three independent musicians and producers who took an experiment to combine electronic music sound with acoustic drums and percussions, electric guitars and vocals. This has been a kind reminder that no matters what instruments are used (electronic or acoustic) music can have no limits in genres, if made with passion to the rhythms and melodies. For the purpose of merely adding a fun label, we are calling the sound seen here "Kyiv Dance Punk". It is also clear that this format is best to be played at festivals where people come not just to dance but also to open up to something new and experimental, and where pauses between tracks allow for claps, hugs, drinks and maybe toasts. Thanks to the festival “Art is a Weapon”, this has been possible. Full Concert ON YOUTUBE: "The Birth of Kyiv Dance Punk" Location: Keller Bar, Kyiv, Ukraine 2024 @artweapon.festival Camera & Video Editing by @macgnarley Music by @symonenkomusic , @sominaryst @gedzevich.gedzevich , @iamwhaler Mastering: @yuriy_bulychev #ukrainemusic #kyiv #ukraine #dancemusic #dancepunk