In February 2022 Russia started the deadliest war in Europe since world war 2, from the start of this war there has been a network of aid workers throughout Ukraine helping to support and shelter displaced civilians. This documentary aims to tell their story.

In April 2022, a lone aid worker Jay came from the US to help Ukrainian families in need. He worked in several shelters across Poland and watched them close or severely reduce capacity as funding disappeared. Jay decided to make the move to Ukraine to join The Phoenix charity.

Through this documentary we aim to tell Jay's story as well as the stories of the many aid workers and refugees who have been supported by The Phoenix charity, how they came to the facility, how it has helped them and what the future holds.

The Phoenix is not a shelter but a self-sufficient community that bolsters Ukrainian efforts and prepares for post-victory life. This safe haven provides long-term accommodation that promotes personal empowerment, restores physical, mental and emotional health and enables the residents to serve their country during its time of need. The surrounding grounds with forests, fields, lakes and trails promote a healing atmosphere and safe space for children’s activities.

Meet the crew:

Jack Charge: Creative Director/Film Maker

Jack is the creative vision behind this project, with experience in documentary film making in Poland where he first met Jay in 2024, Jack has since worked for brands such as Aston Martin, Ford, The Olympics, Sigma as well as working on high end TV shows and Films.

Ellis Reed: Director of Photography/Film Maker

Ellis Reed is a professional photographer and videographer based in the beautiful city of Bath, working with brands and businesses worldwide. With extensive film and photography experience, Ellis has worked with brands such as Samsung, Adobe, BenQ and Peugeot whilst gaining a substantial online following.

Why We Chose This Project:

After meeting Jay in 2024, Jack saw the potential to help, help to tell Jays story, help to show the work his team is doing and to help draw attention to their cause. in recent months their team have seen less and less funding coming in which is vital to the continued operation of the facility, Not only do we want to directly give financial help by donating any left over fund raising to The Phoenix charity but we also want to help by creating something to spread awareness for the team in Ukraine and to drive other charitable donations.

How Your Donation Will Help:

Your donation will be used to help make this project a reality, for this to be a success we need to consider multiple things such as safe travel into Ukraine, Accommodation, body armour and more, we are also wanting to help raise additional funding to give directly to The Phoenix charity, this donation will help them to purchase supplies, pay for day to day running of their facility as well as helping to renovate different parts of the building.

Timeline:

We hope to go out to Liviv during the last week of August 2026 and spend 1 to 2 weeks with Jay's team, once we are back in the UK safely we hope to have the final film ready by December 2026, just in time for Christmas.