Vera Hrycenko for NP-UN.
“Second Chance”, a documentary by Adriana Luhovy of Montreal, was premiered in Winnipeg on Sunday, May 6. The screening was organized by the Plast Sorority “Pereletni Ptytsi” at the Winnipeg Plast Home.
The documentary tells the moving and uplifting story of Ukrainian orphaned children and the Canadian volunteers who work along side them at summer camps in Ukraine to help make a difference in the orphans’ lives. Narrated in English in the first person by director Adriana Luhovy, the film follows Adriana as a first-time volunteer and filmmaker as she learns about the children and becomes witness to the orphans’ strengths and resilience.
Filmed on site in Yaremche, in the Carpathian Mountains, over 500 orphaned children from all over Ukraine converge at their camp organized by Toronto-based Help Us Help The Children (HUHTC). University student volunteers with training and skills obtained in Ukrainian schools and youth organizations are selected from across Canada. They run specialized camp-programs and workshops that focus on building life skills and independence. Activities based on Ukrainian customs and traditions are also emphasized.
Through interviews with volunteers and highlighting activity participation, ”Second Chance” shows how the orphans gain trust, bond with their counselors and face their challenges.
The documentary informs about the state of orphanages in Ukraine and raises concerns about the future of the orphans once they are released.
Adriana Luhovy grew up in Plast-Montreal, was an active member of Concordia Ukrainian University Student’s Union and volunteered many summers in Ukraine, working closely with HUHTC and orphan children.
The film was introduced by Maria Halkewycz, president (“kurina’) of “Pereletni Ptytsi”. She spoke briefly on the beginnings of HUHTC and about the importance of making documentary films as well as the need to support such projects. She also thanked the organizing committee headed by Tatiana Hawleshka.
A coffee and sweets reception organized by “Pereletni Ptytsi” followed.
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