Saving the Animals of Ukraine

Directed by travel YouTube vlogger turned war correspondent Anton Ptushkin, the documentary chronicles stories of survival, love and resilience from the heart of war-torn Ukraine. See those rescuing cats and dogs in abandoned buildings as well as lions and tigers in the nation’s zoos, and the extraordinary efforts to bring them to safety. Hear from volunteers of the nation’s animal shelters, who are risking their own lives to care for their charges during bombardment. Meet Patron, the bomb-detecting Jack Russell Terrier who has saved countless lives, as well as Shafa, a cat in Borodyanka who becomes a symbol of hope.

“I never imagined I would become a war or nature documentarian, but when this war began, I was so inspired by the footage of people trying to save their pets,” said director Anton Ptushkin. “I knew I wanted to tell the story of the important relationship between the Ukrainian people and their animals. Animals have helped us cope with the stress and consequences of this war, and I’m honored to showcase their stories of resiliency alongside those of the humans rescuing them.”