Ivanko’s Childhood – fundraising event for Ukraine

Ivanko’s Childhood – fundraising event for Ukraine

Show Date: November 14, 2025 7:00 pm

This is a fund raising event in aid of Ukraine. Funds raised will be put towards buying a van to take medical and humanitarian supplies out to the East of the country.

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6.30pm doors open, cash bar, raffle tickets on sale

7pm Film starts followed by Q&A with Directors

7.30pm Teenage soloist – Luca’s sister

8pm Women’s Choir

8.30pm Trio – Lively traditional Ukrainian entertainers

9pm  Raffle tickets on sale, drinks throughout the performances

9.30pm Raffle draw & finish

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“Ivanko’s Childhood” is a timely drama following a young Ukrainian refugee’s touching mission to save his homeland.

The 16-minute film stars Emmy-nominated Tom Goodman-Hill (“Baby Reindeer”) alongside Sinead Matthews (“Vera Drake”, “Happy Valley”), BAFTA-nominated Tom Meeten (“Ghoul”, “The Mighty Boosh”), Sandra Dickinson (“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”, “Batman”), and introduces Ukrainian newcomer Luka Vorobei in the title role.

Eight-year-old Ivanko, a Ukrainian refugee, makes his solitary way through the English countryside, arriving in a picturesque village with a determined purpose. Armed with crumpled sheets of paper and broken but endearing English, he approaches locals with what he calls a “big chance.”

As he encounters various villagers – from a kind waitress to a suspicious pub owner – Ivanko’s innocent yet resourceful attempts to raise money reveal both the vulnerability and remarkable resilience of displaced children. His journey through forests, fields, and village streets ultimately leads to a deeply moving revelation about family, loss, and the lengths a child will go to protect those he loves.

Written and directed by Vera Graziadei (“The Silent Canary) and produced by Tamara Orlova (“Darkgame”, “The Hook”) and Graziadei, the film was shot on location in the picturesque Surrey village of Shere – famous as a filming location for “The Holiday” – and London. Post-production powerhouse Molinare came aboard as associate producer.

The project features cinematography by Mark Nutkins and an original score by acclaimed composer Anna Phoebe, known for her work across film and television.

As a Ukraine-born British filmmaker whose family and friends became refugees when war engulfed her homeland, director Vera Graziadei brings personal authenticity to this story of displacement and resilience. The film honours what she calls “the child’s gaze” in storytelling, capturing the unique perspective of children navigating impossible circumstances with hope and determination.

• Released:
• Genre(s): General
• Duration: 16 minutes
• Language: