The creativity and resilience of the Ukrainian people was showcased in YVR Screen Scene For Ukraine, which took place at VIFF Vancity Theatre in Vancouver at 6:30PM on March 29, 2023. The gala event, in support of the Ukrainian Canadian Advocacy Group’s rehabilitation program for the children of fallen heroes, featured live music, craft items for sale, and a post-screening reception featuring Ukrainian food.

The centerpiece of the evening was a special screening of Viddana, Ukrainian filmmaker Khrystyna Syvolap’s sweeping historical drama based on the novel Felix Austria by Sofia Andrukhovych. This gala was the North American premiere of the film. 

YVR Screen Scene also hosted an online auction featuring rare collectibles donated by members of Vancouver’s film and television community, as well as original works of art created by artists in Ukraine and items of note donated by Ukrainians in Ukraine. The online auction ran on the Givergy charity auction platform until April 7, 2023.

Together, the gala and auction raised more than $40,500 for the Rehabilitation Program for the Children of Fallen Heroes.