Private Project

CHILDREN

CHILDREN is not just a film about war or emigration. It is a story about a generation growing up between two worlds, learning to find its place in a new reality while holding on to its roots. It is also a story of a mother’s love—steadfast, nurturing and unwavering—as she stands by her child through uncertainty, offering reassurance, strength and a sense of belonging wherever they go.

The sequel to the documentary film WOMEN delves into the lives of Ukrainian children who fled their homeland with their mothers because of the war. Three years have passed since they began adapting to life in the United Kingdom. 
How has the war changed them? What have they lost and what have they gained in their new home?

Through the stories of Mariia, Sonya, Manya and Timofii, the film explores how children experience emigration, build new lives, integrate into society and dream about their futures. The film offers insight into the strength of family bonds, cultural identity and the resilience of young minds. The deep connection between mother and child is the heart of this film, showing how love becomes the anchor that helps them navigate life between two worlds.

  • Lora Arkhypenko
    Director
  • Olia Yenko
    Writer
  • Lora Arkhypenko
    Producer
  • Olia Yenko
    Producer
  • Lora Arkhypenko
    Key Cast
    "Lora"
  • Sofiia Arkhypenko
    Key Cast
    "Sofiia"
  • Dariia Dmytriieva
    Key Cast
    "Dariia"
  • Manya Dmytriieva
    Key Cast
  • Oksana Pobudzey
    Key Cast
    "Oksana"
  • Sofiia Pobudzey
    Key Cast
    "Sofiia"
  • Mariia Pobudzey
    Key Cast
    "Mariia"
  • Maryna Chukanova
    Key Cast
    "Maryna"
  • Tymofii Chukanov
    Key Cast
    "Tymofii"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    ДІТИ
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    49 minutes 38 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 14, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English, Russian, Ukrainian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Premier
    Shrewsbury
    United Kingdom
    March 30, 2025
    England Premier
Director - Lora Arkhypenko