Children in the Fire: What War Does to a Generation
Join the Council, the Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation, and the Polsky Foundation for a screening of Evgeny Afineevsky’s documentary, "Children in the Fire."
Jun
3
Uncredited / AP
About This Event
More than four years into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the headlines have become familiar—but the human cost has not. Children in the Fire, the latest documentary film from Oscar-nominated director Evgeny Afineevsky, tells the stories of Ukrainian children whose lives were shattered by occupation, deportation, and violence, and who, despite everything, continue to pursue their dreams. What does war do to a generation, and what does their resilience tell us about Ukraine's future? Join us for a screening of the film with director Evgeny Afineevsky, presented by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation, and the Polsky Foundation, followed by a reception.
Watch the trailer for Children in the Fire.
About the Speakers
Evgeny Afineevsky
Film Director, Producer & Cinematographer
Evgeny Afineevsky is an Academy Award and Emmy-nominated director whose documentary work includes "Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom," "Cries from Syria," and "Francesco," a portrait of Pope Francis. His films have been official selections at Venice, Telluride, Sundance, and the Toronto International Film Festival, earning him widespread recognition as one of documentary cinema's most acclaimed chroniclers of conflict and human rights.
Opening Remarks
Marta Farion
President, Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation
Marta Farion is an attorney currently serving as Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation’s president and board member. She leads the foundation’s projects and initiatives in fundraising and collaborative programs with universities and entities in the United States. Her background includes positions as former legal counsel at a research and development company, with areas of concentration in business transactions and employment management.
Viktoriia Shcherba
Philanthropy & Strategy Associate, Polsky Foundation
Viktoriia Shcherba is an associate in Philanthropy & Strategy at the Polsky Foundation, where she supports initiatives related to Ukraine, education, and humanitarian response. Her background spans public policy and international affairs across Europe and the United States, including experience with the European Parliament, the Parliament of Ukraine, and the German Marshall Fund in Washington, D.C.
President & Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Dr. Leslie Vinjamuri joined the Council in 2025 as the president and chief executive officer, after previously serving as director of the US and the Americas program at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, known as Chatham House, in London. She is Professor of Practice in International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS University of London.
Partner Organizations
