#Ukraine #Kyiv #TRACES #Rinat Akhmetov

Rinat Akhmetov Foundation Champions Ukraine's Oscar Aspirations

In a significant move, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation has officially announced its support for the Ukrainian-Polish documentary Traces, which has been selected as Ukraine’s official entry for the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. This initiative marks a pioneering moment, as the Foundation becomes the first charitable organization in Ukraine to fund an Oscar campaign for a national film, signaling its unwavering commitment to amplify the voices of civilians adversely affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Foundation, founded by Ukrainian entrepreneur and philanthropist Rinat Akhmetov in 2005, has pledged a generous grant of $200,000 aimed at bolstering Traces' international Oscar campaign. Additionally, this support entails a strategic partnership with the Foundation’s Museum of Civilian Voices, an establishment that emphasizes the importance of documenting personal testimonies from the war. The foundation has become a repository for over 145,000 such narratives, underscoring their commitment to ensuring that the stories of those affected by the war are preserved for posterity.

Directed by Alisa Kovalenko and co-directed by Marysia Nikitiuk, Traces delves into the harrowing experiences of six Ukrainian women who faced sexual violence and torture amidst the backdrop of Russia's aggression. The film sheds light on themes of trauma and resilience, ultimately recognizing the fierce courage required for survivors to confront and share their experiences, breaking the silence often associated with such traumatic events.

The documentary has already garnered prestigious accolades, having premiered at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival, where it was honored with the Panorama Audience Award. Further accomplishments include recognition at the Movies That Matter festival in The Hague and the Millennium Docs Against Gravity festival. Such international accolades underscore the importance of the film and its urgent message as it moves through various platforms within the global film community.

The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation’s assistance extends beyond mere financial support; the partnership with Traces encapsulates a broader mission of ensuring that individual experiences are heard, recognized, and honored on a global scale. The Foundation’s Museum of Civilian Voices plays a critical role in preserving these impactful testimonies, which are vital for storytelling and remembering the consequences of war. By backing Traces, the foundation emphasizes its aim of promoting widespread awareness about the plight of war survivors, particularly women, who often bear the brunt of conflict-related trauma.

By promoting Traces within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the wider international film community, the grant will serve as an instrumental tool to raise awareness regarding Ukrainian women’s experiences. The hope is that such strategic efforts will bring these essential narratives to one of the world’s most prestigious cultural platforms, ensuring that the voices of these survivors are echoed far beyond their immediate context.

In conclusion, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation's significant role in supporting Traces not only manifests a commitment to the arts but also acts as a beacon of hope and resilience for war victims. As the worlds of cinema and humanitarian efforts collide, this initiative could very well pave the way for more stories from conflict-affected regions to find their rightful place on the international stage.

About the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation

Established in 2005, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation stands as one of Ukraine's most prominent private humanitarian organizations. With a core mission focusing on providing support to war-affected civilians through humanitarian aid, medical assistance, and psychological support, the Foundation has been a driving force in transforming lives in times of crisis. Its Museum of Civilian Voices, dedicated to collecting personal testimonies, serves as a vital tool in ensuring that future generations understand the human impacts of the war in Ukraine.

As the campaign for Traces unfolds, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation continues to highlight the resilience of the Ukrainian people, affirming that even amidst conflict, stories of strength and survival can shine through.