KIDS OF BOMB SHELTERS
Release date
2023
Series
11
duration
280
min
January 15
This moving documentary project tells the tragic and horrifying stories of Ukrainian families who have suffered from Russian aggression. Through firsthand accounts from over 20 locations, the film offers a personal perspective on the impact of war on ordinary people. It highlights the lives of Ukrainian mothers and children who spent 27 days in a bomb shelter, as well as the story of a daughter who fled Bucha while her father was serving on the legendary "Mriya" airplane. These stories show the resilience of the human spirit and the hope for a better future, despite the horrors of war.
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Natalia Ulybina
Yulian Ulybin
Serhii Smychok
Oleksii Kapustin
Oleksiy Makukhin
Yulian Ulybin
Serhii Kravets
Kateryna Kucherenko
Yulian Ulybin
Dmytro Smyrnyi
Dmytro Smyrnyi
Hanna Malienko
Roman Bohorosh
Maria Sobur
Children of Bomb Shelters: Stories of Survival, Trauma, and Hope in the Shadows of War
The film "Children of Bomb Shelters" is a powerful documentary that tells the stories of children and their families who found themselves trapped in the horrors of war in Ukraine, forced to take refuge in bomb shelters. The film consists of ten episodes, each of which reveals a unique story of children who became witnesses and victims of the conflict. It highlights cities such as Mariupol, Kharkiv, Irpin, and others, showcasing the devastating impact of the war on young lives.
One of the most touching stories is of a baby born just months before the full-scale invasion, for whom the bomb shelter became the only "home." The child has never known a peaceful world. Each episode bears witness to the war crimes committed against civilians, emphasizing the deep psychological trauma the war has left on these children.
The project is presented in multiple formats, including a feature-length version and shorter episodes tailored for a broad audience. It is not just a film but an important document that captures the brutality of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
This war is not only the destruction of the present but also the future of our country.
In a war that leaves dark marks on the souls of children, we, as adults, must learn to walk the razor's edge in our dialogues with them. These small victims of a great human tragedy, exiled from their carefree childhoods, carry the burden of experiences beyond their understanding and endurance. Speaking with them is not just an attempt to rediscover a lost language amid explosions and fears, but also a necessity to recognize where to stop and where it's better not to interfere.
It is crucial to remember that reliving memories can deepen traumatic experiences, especially in a child's psyche. Improper intervention can become an irrevocable mistake, leaving an imprint for life. In their eyes, there are glimpses of a lost world, echoes of a war that has taken away their safety and peace.
In communicating with these children, we must not only be a voice but also ears—listening, hearing, and understanding. We must tread carefully, respecting invisible boundaries, offering support and help without imposing our own notions of what is right.
This is a journey against the current of memories, where every move must be deliberate and cautious. Our task is to guide these children from the darkness of memories into the light of understanding, protecting them from retraumatization, and restoring their faith in a bright and safe future.
Patience, more patience, and the ability to wait—if a child is not ready, step back quietly without pushing. Every child is different: some run to share everything, while others may never have enough time in life to piece themselves together after tragic circumstances.