Ukrainian refugee premieres second documentary

A Ukrainian refugee has made a documentary film about young members of her community in Shropshire.

Children is Lora Arkhypenko's second film, following Women, released last year, which focused on the strength of women affected by the war in Ukraine.

Her new film explores the lives of Ukrainian children who have settled in the UK, in particular those who have made Shropshire their home.

Following the Mother's Day premiere of Children at Shrewsbury's Old Market Hall, a public screening will be held in May, Shropshire Council said.

Ms Arkhypenko, originally from Odesa, was studying for a degree in filmmaking when she and her young daughter were forced to flee their home following the Russian invasion in February 2022.

She was taken in by a family in Chirbury before moving to Wales.

Ms Arkhypenko went on to complete her studies at Newtown College in Powys and released her first film.

"My first film Women was about Ukrainian women who fled from Ukraine and the issues that they have lived with since arriving in the UK," said Ms Arkhypenko.

"Children picks up their story, and more importantly focuses attention on their children who, in some instances, have spent more of their young lives in the UK than Ukraine and adapted to life in Shropshire."

Her second film has been supported with funding from Homes for Ukraine, supported by Shropshire Council and Shropshire Supports Refugees.

Amanda Jones from Shropshire Support Refugees said: "Shropshire has welcomed hundreds of guests from Ukraine.

"It's important that we continue to remember the challenges that they face, as well as celebrating their resilience and how they contribute to the county and enrich all of our lives."

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