Ukrainian Independence Day Screening of
"Back to Bucha"
Naples, FL
Ukrainian Independence Day is August 24th. Come celebrate with Ukraine's friends and supporters in Southwest Florida at this special Back to Bucha screening event...
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We are very pleased to announce the SW Florida premiere of Back to Bucha.
Saturday, August 24th, 2024 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. At: Naples United Church of Christ 5200 Crayton Road, Naples, FL |
Filmmaker Steve Richards will be on hand for the SW Florida premiere of his documentary Back to Bucha: Finding the Spirit in Ukraine. With footage from his visits to the area in April/May 2022 and in January 2023, this stunning film captures both the physical devastation left by the invasion and the extraordinary resilience of Ukrainians who have returned to rebuild their homes and lives. Steve will introduce the film and host the Q&A.
The US based non-profit Ukraine Defense Support and the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) will share in all donations to support their work in Ukraine.
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These are donation driven events. Which means that while there is no charge to attend, we do welcome donations to cover our costs for the events, the film, and generate funds for Ukrainian causes. We share equally the screening's net proceeds (after food, travel, venue costs, etc.) with foundations and charities that support Ukraine. So, everyone that donates supports the film and Ukraine directly!
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Donate to Register
Admission is free AND donations are encouraged. Just make any donation with the widget and you'll be automatically registered. |
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Trailer
Check out the trailer by clicking here! |
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What we see in the film...
Like the USA Ukraine is a largely Christian nation (Ukrainian Orthodox mostly with a large segment of Ukrainian Greek Catholics), though all the major religions are represented (President Zelensky is Jewish, for instance). Unlike the USA there are relatively few Protestants, though I did find a Charismatic church forced online by the war, a Lutheran church with a lady pastor in Kyiv, even a Presbyterian minister from Dallas leading a Reformed congregation in Lviv!
All in all, though Ukrainian Christians see the world very much in unity when it comes to the war. The Ukrainian Orthodox community has broken with the Russian Orthodox church. Ukraine is an ecumenical laboratory as described to me by Father Roman Nebozhuk, a priest at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Kyiv. We get a glimpse of him in the trailer where we also meet his daughter Andriana who gives us a tour of a Kyiv Kindergarten and its bomb shelter.
Ukraine is a nation much like the USA in terms of the practical nature of Christendom that thrives there. Like the USA most were raised Christian. Also, like Americans most don’t go to church regularly though many do. I definitely attended some packed services while I was there.
What I was most struck by were the moms I encountered talking about God and how He is looking out for them. Women are the biggest difference between now and last Spring. They are back. Why? Because they want to raise their kids in their own homes in their own country. It is safe enough except for those on the front lines, notwithstanding the ongoing missile attacks. Children go to school; grocery stores are stocked; shops are open. You can see a movie, get your hair done, and go to restaurants. Rebuilding has begun – especially noticeable in Bucha.
All in all, Back to Bucha is a hopeful and inspiring film that provides an insight into the Christians and broader spirituality of its citizens with the backdrop of the ongoing war's realities.
For more go to the Director's Statement by clicking here.
Like the USA Ukraine is a largely Christian nation (Ukrainian Orthodox mostly with a large segment of Ukrainian Greek Catholics), though all the major religions are represented (President Zelensky is Jewish, for instance). Unlike the USA there are relatively few Protestants, though I did find a Charismatic church forced online by the war, a Lutheran church with a lady pastor in Kyiv, even a Presbyterian minister from Dallas leading a Reformed congregation in Lviv!
All in all, though Ukrainian Christians see the world very much in unity when it comes to the war. The Ukrainian Orthodox community has broken with the Russian Orthodox church. Ukraine is an ecumenical laboratory as described to me by Father Roman Nebozhuk, a priest at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Kyiv. We get a glimpse of him in the trailer where we also meet his daughter Andriana who gives us a tour of a Kyiv Kindergarten and its bomb shelter.
Ukraine is a nation much like the USA in terms of the practical nature of Christendom that thrives there. Like the USA most were raised Christian. Also, like Americans most don’t go to church regularly though many do. I definitely attended some packed services while I was there.
What I was most struck by were the moms I encountered talking about God and how He is looking out for them. Women are the biggest difference between now and last Spring. They are back. Why? Because they want to raise their kids in their own homes in their own country. It is safe enough except for those on the front lines, notwithstanding the ongoing missile attacks. Children go to school; grocery stores are stocked; shops are open. You can see a movie, get your hair done, and go to restaurants. Rebuilding has begun – especially noticeable in Bucha.
All in all, Back to Bucha is a hopeful and inspiring film that provides an insight into the Christians and broader spirituality of its citizens with the backdrop of the ongoing war's realities.
For more go to the Director's Statement by clicking here.
"Back to Bucha is a snapshot of Ukraine's resilience at the most human level: lives, livelihoods, and homes being rebuilt, religious faiths of all types being tested and strengthened, families, including with children, adjusting to the new..."normal." - Alex Gamota, President, Bear Witness
Our Partners
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Ukrainian Catholic University
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In every human Breast, God has implanted a Principle, which we call Love of Freedom; it is impatient of Oppression, and pants for Deliverance. - Phillis Wheatley - 1774