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Rinat Akhmetov Foundation Supports Ukraine's Oscar Campaign for 'Traces'

In a significant move for the Ukrainian film industry, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation has declared its support for the documentary film "Traces," which has been officially selected as Ukraine's submission for the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. This initiative marks a pioneering moment, as the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation becomes the first philanthropic organization in Ukraine to back an Oscar campaign for a national film.

The support includes a generous grant of $200,000, allocated by Rinat Akhmetov himself, aimed at bolstering the film's international Oscar campaign. In addition, the foundation has forged a strategic partnership with its Museum of Civil Voices, emphasizing its commitment to preserving the narratives of civilians affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Directed by Alisa Kovalenko and co-directed by Marysia Nikitiuk, "Traces" delves into the profoundly personal stories of six Ukrainian women who have endured sexual violence and torture amidst the Russian aggression. Through their testimonies, the documentary sheds light on trauma, resilience, and the courage required to break the silence regarding the harrowing experiences of war survivors.

Having already garnered international acclaim, "Traces" premiered at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival, where it was awarded the Panorama Audience Award. It has since received further accolades at the Movies That Matter Festival in The Hague and Millennium Docs Against Gravity.

The support from the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation transcends mere financial assistance. The foundation, through its Museum of Civil Voices, has collected over 145,000 testimonies, documenting the human impact of the war in Ukraine for years. By partnering with "Traces," the foundation reinforces a shared mission of preserving individual experiences, giving survivors a voice, and ensuring their stories are heard, remembered, and recognized on a global scale.

The $200,000 grant aims to elevate the profile of "Traces" within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the broader international film community, thereby bringing the experiences of Ukrainian women to one of the world's most influential cultural platforms.

About the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation

Founded in 2005 by prominent Ukrainian businessman and philanthropist Rinat Akhmetov, the foundation is one of Ukraine's leading private humanitarian organizations. Its work focuses on supporting civilians impacted by war through humanitarian aid, medical and psychological assistance, child welfare, and rehabilitation programs. The foundation also preserves personal testimonies of the war through its Museum of Civil Voices, ensuring that the experiences of Ukrainian civilians are documented and handed down to future generations.