Eyes on Ukraine is a short-form documentary that examines what happens when two crises collide: HIV and war. The film builds awareness around HIV, which, contrary to much of the world, is an escalating crisis in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Through highly personal photographs and stories, it highlights the challenges people living with the virus face in Ukraine during times of war.
View a selection of short clips from the film below:
Synopsis
This 30-minute film follows 24-year-old Yana Panfilova, a Ukrainian HIV-positive activist living in Berlin. Born with the virus and exiled from her home in Kyiv because of the war with Russia, she continues to run Teenergizer, a large youth organization which supports young people in Ukraine who face challenges around HIV and mental health. To shed light on the growing HIV crisis and stigma associated with the virus in her country, Yana works with veteran photographer Gideon Mendel who, after decades chronicling the epidemic, has decided to hand over the camera to HIV-positive people, turning subjects into creators. After Gideon trains Yana to use photography as a tool to tell her story, she sets out to share moments of her life. Her effort becomes pivotal as she inspires three young people living with HIV from Ukraine to join forces. After completing their own photographic training in Berlin, Liza, Maria and Yehor return to Ukraine to shed light on a unique crisis during a difficult time in history.
Running Time: 31:20
Directed by: Mo Stoebe
Executive Producer: David Gere
Producer: Katja Kulenkampff
Featuring: Yana Panfilova, Liza Shevchuck, Yehor Pasko, Maria Deriuha
Featured Artivists
Yana
When I was 18 years old, I got my first tattoo. It says, "I want to break free." These are the words of Freddie Mercury. The inscription symbolizes my journey as an HIV-positive activist. It also …
Liza
I am Liza, a 19-year-old Kyiv native, and my life's journey is a tapestry woven with threads of adversity and resilience. Growing up was far from ordinary. For the first six years, I lived with both …
Yehor
My name is Yehor, and I’m from Kryvyi Rih. My early childhood was carefree and joyful. At six, I found myself riding a motorcycle with my grandfather behind me, helping shift gears. My summer days …
Maria
A shot, a rocket whistle, and sudden silence marked the moment that fractured our world. In the aftermath, the roof of our home was torn away, revealing a sliver of sky. The world fell into a …
Supporters
Funding is provided by the Herb Ritts Foundation, with support and cooperation from UNAIDS.