Filmmakers for Ukraine is working with producer Melissa Lahti of NEW MOON Films in Los Angeles, CA and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles to launch a series of Hollywood based fundraising events to support Filmmakers for Ukraine. Supporting all those affected by the war in Ukraine, paying special attention to the country’s film & journalism community. "Filmmakers understand how to stretch a budget and get things done." Melissa says. "I'm excited to be a part of this initiative to drive direct and immediate support to the frontlines. We don’t have time for red tape when lives are on the line.' 

The first event will launch alongside Filmmakers for Ukraine promotions for World Refugee Day on June 20th. Impact filmmakers, studios, and film organizations are coming out in support of this program originally led by Crew United, a European crewing platform directly connected to the film and arts community in Ukraine. Crew United executive and Filmmakers for Ukraine co-founder Irena Gruca-Rozbika was an infant refugee during the Vietnam war so seeing her fellow filmmakers set aside their work to try and protect their families and homes hit home for her and inspired her to champion this cause with Crew United founder Oliver Zenglin. 

Funding from these projects is earmarked for importing urgent vital supplies (medical supplies and personal hygiene products, list available for potential in-kind sponsors) and for providing individual grants directly to Ukrainian filmmakers, artists, and advocates on the frontlines. We have a backlog of vetted requests in urgent need of support. By working directly with the individuals and organizations at the frontlines we can ensure that supplies are getting to them directly, making the largest possible impact with our efforts. 

The June 20th event will bring together impact leaders across film, media, and the arts connecting them with a compassionate, devoted, international impact filmmaking community.