I decided to become a filmmaker to make a difference in the world. To share my values — what I see going on, what I feel is important. Human values, that can be understood and shared by people in every culture. Compassion, kindness, generosity, justice. And tell stories about what people will find interesting, entertaining, and maybe even inspiring. I’ve written, directed and photographed a variety of films in my career. Some shared some of my values, what I felt was important. And some not so much. Recently, I’ve become aware of injustice and human suffering more than I ever have in my life. And I’m angry.
Russia invaded Ukraine. An independent, proud democratic country. Indiscriminately (and intentionally) bombing civilian targets, including hospitals, schools and homes. Shooting people on the street that are fleeing for their lives. Torturing them. Throwing them into mass graves to conceal the crimes. Looting, raping, wreaking destruction where ever they go. Even walking into schools and shooting up monitors, tables and blackboards.
Yet the people of Ukraine are fighting back with everything they have. And helping their fellow countrymen that are losing their families and homes. If they aren’t fighting in the army, they are bringing medical care, food and water to those that need it. Whatever people need. It’s become a country of full-time volunteers.
It is very clear what is happening. But the Russian propaganda machine is manufacturing a web of lies and broadcasting it to all of Russia, as well as to whoever they can get to listen. Instead of an invasion of an independent country, they claim that they are saving Russian-speaking Ukrainians from Nazis. Led by Zelensky (who actually is Jewish). They proclaim that the clear evidence of torture, murder and rape that has been revealed to the world as the Russians retreated is really only a staged scene of actors.
That was the last straw. I decided I had to act, to do something. Not join the army – although part of me wanted to. But contribute in the most effective, powerful way I can — to observe, record, interpret and create films that show what is happening – both the atrocities being committed by the Russian soldiers, and the selfless generosity of the volunteers of Ukraine.
I spent last night in a bomb shelter in Lviv (supposedly the safe city near the Polish border) as the Russians struck the town with 5 missiles. Today, I’m in Kyiv, near some of the worst devastation in Bucha and Irpin. I’m talking to volunteers in many different areas – delivering water, food, medicine, teaching refugees new languages – giving however they can. And talking to the people who are being chased from their homes.
To be continued…