World / February 22, 2024

Ukrainians in Exile: A Documentary Short Film

Watch The Nation’s newest documentary film, about Ukrainian refugees in the wake of Russia’s invasion.

Janek Ambros

Ukrainians in Exile.

(Janek Ambros)

It’s been two years since Russia invaded Ukraine, sending shockwaves through the region and throughout the world.

In this documentary film, we follow Anya, a woman residing in Ukraine during the early stages of the war. She sheds light on how the the crisis has completely upended her life, and contemplates how countries will treat her fellow Ukrainians who were forced to flee.

Ukrainians In Exile is presented by The Nation.
Director: Janek Ambros
Writer/Narrator: Anya
Executive Producer: Janusz Kaminski
Executive Producer: Robbie Leacock.

From the director:

When Russia’s invasion of Ukraine started in February of 2022, I felt compelled to help, due in some part to my Eastern European background. Helping refugees fleeing into Poland was a practical way to do so. I brought a camera and tried my best to document what I saw, eventually using the footage to encourage people to help refugees. I later collaborated with Anya, the film’s narrator, to give the perspective of a Ukrainian citizen still in her home country, asking the audience to help her fellow Ukrainians who had to leave. I hope Anya’s and my work reminds people that we must always help the most vulnerable. Those who wish to help can donate to Liev Schreiber’s BlueCheck Ukraine, which properly ensures that aid goes to the people most in need in Ukraine as the war continues.

Janek Ambros

Janek Ambros is a film director, producer and screenwriter. He is the founder of the film production company, Assembly Line Entertainment.

The Nation Video
Ludwig Hurtado

Ludwig Hurtado is The Nation's executive producer and multimedia editor. He is also a writer and filmmaker whose work has appeared in The New York TimesNew York MagazineNBC NewsRolling Stone, and elsewhere.

More from The Nation

Portraits of Humiliation

Portraits of Humiliation Portraits of Humiliation

Since Oct. 7, Israeli police have distributed degrading photos of people arrested for opposing the Gaza war. Seven agreed to be photographed again—this time on their own terms.

Photo Essay / Oren Ziv

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV addresses the crowd on the main balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square.

Pope Leo XIV: A Less Reformist Version of Francis? Pope Leo XIV: A Less Reformist Version of Francis?

All signs point to the newly elected pontiff’s continuing in much the same vein as his predecessor, but with a more moderate approach.

Pablo Castaño Tierno

A row of police stands across a street. A car in front of them is on fire.

The Post-Future Has Arrived in Argentina—and It Looks Remarkably Like the Past The Post-Future Has Arrived in Argentina—and It Looks Remarkably Like the Past

Javier Milei’s right-wing government is racking up new debt with the IMF. It’s part of a vicious cycle the country seems unable to break.

Jacob Sugarman

All Options Are Open in the Papal Conclave

All Options Are Open in the Papal Conclave All Options Are Open in the Papal Conclave

The next leader of the Catholic Church is unlikely to be either a progressive reformer or a hard-line conservative.

Pablo Castaño Tierno

A political cartoon from 1877 depicting Russia expanding into Europe.

Russophobia—an Epidemic Disease? Russophobia—an Epidemic Disease?

It is right to be suspicious of Putin’s intentions without falling for the idea that he will never stop.

Robert Skidelsky

Headshot of Ro Khanna speaking next to medium shot of Majorie Taylor Greene on phone.

Netanyahu Is Pushing for an Iran War, but Trump Holds Back for Now Netanyahu Is Pushing for an Iran War, but Trump Holds Back for Now

Michael Waltz’s demotion is a flashpoint in the MAGA civil war over foreign policy.

Jeet Heer