#Ukraine #Kyiv #TRACES #Rinat Akhmetov

Rinat Akhmetov Foundation Supports 'Traces'

The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation has recently revealed its significant backing for the documentary "Traces," marking it as Ukraine's official entry for the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. With this endorsement, the Foundation is providing a generous grant of USD 200,000 to bolster the film’s Oscar campaign, highlighting its commitment to amplifying the voices of war survivors.

"Traces," a collaborative Ukrainian-Polish documentary directed by Alisa Kovalenko and co-directed by Marysia Nikitiuk, tells the harrowing stories of six Ukrainian women who have endured sexual violence and torture amid the ongoing conflict unleashed by Russia's aggression against Ukraine. By shining a light on their personal testimonies, the film takes viewers on a powerful journey through a landscape of trauma and resilience, delving deep into the stigma and silence surrounding the narratives of war victims.

The documentary has swiftly garnered international acclaim; its world premiere at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival not only spotlighted its artistic merit but also earned it the prestigious Panorama Audience Award. The film has continued to receive accolades at other renowned festivals, including the Movies That Matter festival in The Hague and Millennium Docs Against Gravity, enhancing its credentials on the global stage.

The Foundation's involvement goes beyond mere financial contribution. As an organization deeply engaged in documenting the human repercussions of the war, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation operates the Museum of Civilian Voices, which has collected more than 145,000 testimonies from individuals affected by the conflict. Their collaboration with "Traces" aims to preserve these crucial narratives and ensure that the experiences of survivors are not only recognized but also remembered globally.

This partnership exemplifies the Foundation's dedication to ensuring that the voices of those affected by war are amplified. By providing the necessary funding to promote "Traces" within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization is helping to place these vital stories before a discerning audience, potentially unlocking pathways for broader awareness and support.

The grant of USD 200,000 will be instrumental in promoting the film within the international film community, emphasizing the importance of Ukrainian women’s experiences within one of the most influential cultural platforms in the world. The Foundation’s support heralds a new era in which charitable organizations are actively participating in the advocacy of artistic representations that address dire humanitarian issues.

About the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation:
Established in 2005 by the well-known Ukrainian businessman and philanthropist Rinat Akhmetov, the Foundation is one of Ukraine’s prominent private humanitarian organizations, dedicated to aiding civilians impacted by the ongoing war. Its initiatives range from providing humanitarian assistance and psychological support to child welfare and rehabilitation programs. The Museum of Civilian Voices is a critical part of this mission, ensuring that the many voices affected by war are documented and that their stories are preserved for future generations.