Film Production: The Journey of Hope and Resilience

Masha Kondakova is a French-Ukrainian filmmaker recognized for her contributions to both documentary and fiction cinema. Her short film, November, premiered at Locarno and won 15 international awards, showcasing her talent in movie making. She was among the first to document women at war in her impactful documentary, Inner Wars, which has been distributed globally via ARTE, ZDF, and Canal+. As a passionate advocate for Ukrainian veterans, she serves as a vital bridge to European audiences, giving her work a second wind in the international film community.

Serhiy Mykhalchuk is one of Ukraine’s most respected cinematographers, known for his significant contributions to cinema, including the acclaimed movies "Dovbush" and "I, Nina." A recipient of the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, he is currently an active service member who was temporarily released for movie making before being redeployed. His work also extends to documentary filmmaking, showcasing the rich narratives of Ukraine, marking a second wind in his career.

Gena Gazin – a Ukrainian-born American executive and philanthropist, is the founder of If Not Now, Then When (ifnotnowua.org), which serves as the main sponsor of the documentary film. A former telecom and defense engineer, he is now dedicated to supporting the people defending Ukraine. As a mountaineer who has faced several near-death experiences, Gena has found a second wind in life, pushing him toward a purpose of service and contributing to the cinema of social impact.