AN American film director is set to host the European premiere of their new documentary on Ukraine in Edinburgh.
Aaron MacCarley, an American film director from Los Angeles has produced a full-length cinematic documentary – Sunflowers in the Rain – after staying in Ukraine for a year.
The premiere will take place on Friday, February 23 in Edinburgh’s city chambers on the eve of the second anniversary of the war.
READ MORE: David Pratt: I'm back in Kyiv on 2nd anniversary of Russian invasion
MacCarley and his team visited some of the most dangerous areas that have been impacted by the war, including Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar, and Kramatorsk, and aimed to film the struggle of ordinary Ukrainian people in these places.
The premiere has been organised by Sunflower Scotland – a registered UK charity in Edinburgh that has helped to deliver humanitarian aid to more than 11,000 people in Ukraine.
The film itself tells the stories of ten people and how they have been impacted by the war.
It includes scenes of rescuing animals following flooding in Kherson, as well as the tireless work of vets in an abandoned shelter for injured cats and dogs.
Oleg Dmitriev, the chairman of Sunflower Scotland told The National: "This film shows that volunteers helping in Ukraine are ordinary people, and that each and every one of us can make a difference.
"Aaron risked his life together with volunteers and he has earned our highest respect."
The film's official synopsis says: “It is 2023. Already one year has passed since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, but despite the hardships and the constant attacks, civilians and volunteers in Ukraine continue to stand tall to help the country, the army, and their fellow man.
“Sunflowers in the Rain is a documentary that artistically weaves together a loosely connected network of series of everyday heroes at work across the length and breadth of Ukraine, who have found purpose and determination in the common quest to help defeat Russia in whatever way they can.”
Two volunteers from the film will be at Friday night’s premiere to tell more about their experiences and answer questions.
There will also be an opportunity to meet MacCarley and ask questions about his experience.
The screening will take place from 5.30pm to 10pm and anyone interested in attending should reach out to contact@sunflowerscotland.co.uk for more information.
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