Winnipeg filmmaker returning to Ukraine to bring aid and finish documentary

A Canadian filmmaker has returned to Ukraine just before the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of the country, to bring supplies and aid to his homeland as he continues working on his film documenting the war.

CityNews spoke to Max Khomenko, who is originally from Winnipeg but is now living in Vancouver, shortly before he left for his travels. Khomenko spoke to CityNews in a video conference from his home in Vancouver.

“At some point you’re gonna have to take it into your own hands and see what you can do to benefit your culture, your community,” said Khomenko.

“Frankly, people outside of Ukraine are starting to get tired of this war. I completely understand that, but imagine actually living through the war. Imagine having all these problems that, you might get a missile straight into your apartment. You might have a missile drop on your house. You might have Russian troops enter your town or city and it’s unimaginable what they can do.”

It’s the second time Khomenko is travelling to Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion. His first trip, which took place last year, also brought humanitarian aid to soldiers and civilians.

Khomenko says finishing his documentary is important, but even more is bringing tangible help to his people, which is why he’s also continued raising funds and donations for this trip.

“Hopefully a film can do something, but I’m not sure it will, unfortunately. So if I’m able to directly donate with the help of many, many people … and bring medical supplies and all this gear to Ukraine, it feels like I’m fulfilling my purpose in life,” he explained.

“I’ve heard stories from the last time we donated tourniquets, which are blood-stoppers, it saved people from needing amputations. It saved people’s lives. And that just creates opportunities for families to see their father again. For friends to see their veterans again.”

Khomenko is spending the next two weeks filming and delivering much-needed aid at the same time — like money, medical supplies, and power banks. He says he’s seen a decrease in people’s willingness to help, but hopes he can help make a change with fundraisers through his travels.

“Frankly, I wish [the fundraisers] were going better. I wish they were a little more active but that’s where I need to pick up some slack on my end. I think once I’m in Ukraine and people can directly see this connection and how this is beneficial for people, I think people’s mindsets will change.”

Khomenko says although the trip will be difficult and busy with work and distributing donations, he’s looking forward to also spending some much-needed time with friends and family members he’s usually only able to speak to on the phone.

“I try to have a conversation with someone in Ukraine at least once a day, but oftentimes, those conversations, they’re interrupted. They’re interrupted by bomb sirens and my friends or family having to flee to a bomb shelter … It also reminds me of the importance of family, and maintaining those relationships and that contact with your family,” he explained.

“I want to be able to tell my kids, my family, that I was able to help and I actually contributed to problems I felt like I could maybe fix a little bit.”

Khomenko’s documentary, called “Standing Free”, is set to premiere in Europe with dates following in Canadian cities this summer.

WATCH: Full interview with Max Khomenko and CityNews reporter Joanne Roberts