Relevance to mental health: The documentary invites Ukrainian children who survived Russia’s abductions and attacks to share their stories, and follows eight of them on international journeys to pursue their dreams. It combines live-action footage with animation by Ukrainian artists.
Author: Newsroom
TRAILER AVAILABLE
ASH & CRAYONS
From Academy Award–nominated documentary filmmaker Evgeny Afineevsky
(Winter on Fire, Cries from Syria, Francesco)
In theaters nationwide November 20
World Children’s Day
Released by Briarcliff Entertainment
PRESS MATERIALS HERE
Synopsis:
Since launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian leaders have imposed methods for undermining Ukraine’s future by targeting its children. Russian troops are regularly accused of abducting minors, then forcing them into adoptions or captivity so they can be re-educated as Russian patriots.
Returning to the streets where he filmed his Oscar-nominated documentary Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom, director Evgeny Afineevsky invites survivors of Russia’s abductions and attacks to share their stories. Ash And Crayons is the collective war diary of resilient Ukrainians who witnessed the worst of humanity, yet remain motivated young athletes, performers and public servants. Through live-action footage and Ukrainian artists’ animation, the documentary joins eight kids on international journeys to pursue their dreams. Each child embodies the promise of their homeland and the potential of a nonviolent world.
Directed by: Evgeny Afineevsky
Produced by: Kevin Goetz, Evgeny Afineevsky, Galyna Sadomtseva-Nabaranchuk
Source: 42West for Briarcliff Entertainment, October 8, 2026