Liudmyl’s Story - Film at New Park Cinema Sunday 23rd August

Since the start of the Ukrainian war, CBC have welcomed a number of Ukrainian families and a number of our church family have acted as hosts for families.

Living an ordinary life in Kyiv, everything changed for Liudmyla on 24th February 2022, when the war in Ukraine forced her to make an impossible choice: to protect her son Nazar by leaving behind the home, family, culture and life she loved.

Told in Liudmyla’s own words, with honesty, emotion and quiet strength, the film follows her journey into the unknown - a journey first thought to be only for a few days, but which has now stretched into more than four years.

Arriving in Chichester with the support of generous host families, Liudmyla begins the process of rebuilding her life while holding tightly to her Ukrainian identity. Powerful, intimate and unforgettable, her story stands for many thousands more, shining a light on the resilience, dignity and determination of the Ukrainian people.

This special screening will include a choir of young Ukrainian singers and a short Q&A with Daria Mattingly following the film.

Ukrainian born Dr Daria Mattingly is a historian of Ukraine and Russia working at the University of Chichester. She will introduce 'Liudmila’s Story' and link to the other Ukrainian film in the Festival 'The Storks of Chernobyl' illustrating a common theme of the Russian treatment of the Ukrainian people resulting in the need to defend their country , identity and culture. The films illustrate the character, bravery, strength and determination of individual Ukrainians left with difficult and almost impossible decisions to make about their future.

To book your tickets, please click here