Rinat Akhmetov Foundation Supports Ukrainian Oscar Campaign for 'Traces'

The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation Backs 'Traces'

In an extraordinary move, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation has announced its support for the documentary 'Traces', an official submission for Ukraine for the prestigious 99th Academy Awards in the category of Best International Feature Film. This prominent initiative includes a generous grant of $200,000, personally authorized by Philanthropist Rinat Akhmetov, aimed at enhancing the film's international Oscar campaign. Furthermore, the support encompasses a strategic partnership with the Museum of Civil Voices under the Foundation's wing.

This remarkable undertaking makes the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation the first charitable organization in Ukraine to back a Ukrainian film's Oscar campaign, underscoring its commitment to preserving the narratives of civilians affected by the ongoing war initiated by Russia against Ukraine. The foundation seeks to ensure that these essential stories resonate with a global audience.

Directed by Alisa Kovalenko and co-directed by Marysia Nikitiuk, 'Traces' captures deeply personal experiences of six Ukrainian women who endured sexual violence and torture during the Russian aggression. Through their powerful accounts, the documentary confronts themes of trauma, resilience, and the courage necessary to break the silence that often surrounds survivors of warfare.

Following its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival 2026, where it received the esteemed Panorama Audience Award, 'Traces' has gained significant international acclaim. The documentary also won prestigious awards at the Movies That Matter festival in The Hague and the Millennium Docs Against Gravity.

The support from the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation goes beyond financial assistance. With its Museum of Civil Voices, which has compiled over 145,000 testimonies, the organization is dedicated to documenting the human consequences of the war in Ukraine for years. Its collaboration with 'Traces' reflects a mutual mission to preserve individual experiences, empower survivors, and ensure that their stories are acknowledged and remembered worldwide.

The $200,000 grant will be pivotal in promoting 'Traces' to Academy members and the broader international film community. This initiative is intended to shed light on the experiences of Ukrainian women on one of the most influential cultural stages in the world.

About the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation

Established in 2005 by Ukrainian businessman and philanthropist Rinat Akhmetov, the Foundation has emerged as one of the leading humanitarian organizations in Ukraine. Its efforts focus on supporting civilians affected by the war through humanitarian assistance, medical and psychological help, child protection, and rehabilitation programs. Additionally, through its Museum of Civil Voices, the Foundation collects personal war testimonies, ensuring that the experiences of Ukrainian civilians are documented and shared with future generations.

By backing 'Traces', the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation not only endorses a significant cultural project but also reinforces its ongoing commitment to humanitarian work and the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit amidst adversity.