Hello! 

We are Ukrainian-Canadian filmmakers currently in pre-production on a short film, called Night Routine. 

Synopsis

"Night Routine" is an independent film set during an air raid alarm, on the night after identifying her grandmother in the morgue, 27-year-old Vita is forced to spend the night in her grandmother's basement. In complete darkness, she speaks the words she didn't have time to say to her loved one and makes unexpected discoveries about her own life.

Audiences

This film is for anyone who values human experiences and wants to be part of a compelling story that resonates with their emotions. It will captivate audiences who appreciate thought-provoking narratives, deep character development, and powerful storytelling. "Night Routine" invites viewers to understand the Ukrainian point of view and empathize with the struggles of grief. We as a team decided the best way to showcase this personal story is by using 35mm Film Camera.

Mission

As an independent film, we rely on the support of our community to bring this important project to life. We have grassroots support and have raised a significant portion of our funding, but we need your help to raise the remaining $20,000. This funding will cover essential expenses such as labor for our dedicated crew, equipment rental, location fees, and post-production costs. Every dollar will be used to ensure that the final product is a visually stunning and emotionally impactful experience for our audiences.

By supporting "Night Routine," you are not only contributing to the production of a remarkable film but also standing in solidarity with the Ukrainian community. Your contribution will help us amplify the voices of those affected by the war, shining a light on their stories and struggles.

We are deeply committed to creating a film that reflects the human experience in all its complexity, humor, and beauty. With your invaluable support, we can make this vision a reality.

Meet the Team

Khrystyna Syvolap  is an award-winning Ukrainian director known for her work in comedy and drama. Her directorial debut short film, "Not Today," won the Best Short Film award at the Trieste Film Festival. She also co-wrote the film. Her feature film, "Viddana," based on the bestselling Ukrainian novel "Felix Austria," received international recognition and was aired on major platforms like HBO and Netflix. Khrystyna is a member of the Ukrainian Film Academy and the Directors Guild of Ukraine. She was also named in Forbes Ukraine's "30 under 30" list in 2021. Currently based in Vancouver, Canada.

Oleksii Syvolap is a Ukrainian screenwriter with a background in journalism. After studying at Donetsk National University, he moved to Kyiv, where he worked as a journalist and screenwriter for television. In collaboration with Khrystyna Syvolap, he wrote and directed the award-winning short film "Not Today", which received the Grand Prix at the Trieste Film Festival. Oleksii has since been involved in writing scripts for television series and feature films. His work showcases his talent and versatility as a screenwriter.

Alfonso Chin a Vancouver-based cinematographer and visual artist originally from Mexico, has a diverse background that fuels his passion for storytelling. He honed his skills in film, interactive arts, and graphic design at Simon Fraser University after moving through Los Angeles. Alfonso's work spans from traditional film formats to cutting-edge digital techniques, always focusing on evoking deep emotions through visual harmony. His approach prioritizes story and character, whether in commercials, narratives, or documentaries, and he excels in non-traditional storytelling methods. Alfonso has earned acclaim with nominations and awards from prestigious bodies like the Canadian Society of Cinematographers and the Canadian Screen Awards, as well as international recognition at festivals including the Ariel Awards. A member of the International Cinematographers Guild 669, he is best known for his work on Netflix's series "VOIR," produced by David Fincher.

Natalie Yatsina is a Canadian-Ukrainian actress born in South Africa. With her extensive education and training in Los Angeles, Natalie has gained opportunities worldwide. Her recent film, "Amulet of the Kingdom," was selected for several renowned film festivals. She excels in character work and brings her roles to life on screen. Although based in Vancouver, Natalie frequently travels to Los Angeles to continue her training with notable teachers.

Mariya Miloshevych is an accomplished Ukrainian-Canadian producer with accolades from prestigious film festivals, such as Oscal-qualifying CineQuest Film Festival and CSA-qualifying Hamilton Film Festival. She is dedicated to promoting gender equality in the industry and was recognized with the Best Vendor's 2022 Woman Founder of the Year award. Her extensive portfolio showcases her exceptional experience in both the entertainment and commercial industries.

Special Note from the Team

During these unsettling times, we fully acknowledge that there are more pressing and noble causes directly supporting the Ukrainian people in their pursuit of freedom. Our people have shown unparalleled resilience since 2014, and now more than ever, as they stand firm against the Russian invasion since February 2022. We're deeply committed to these causes, pledging that any revenue generated by our film will be channelled into these organizations, whose names can be found on our crowdfunding page.

Yet, we firmly believe that awareness is a beacon in the darkness. Our short film aims to resonate not just within the hearts of Ukrainians worldwide, but reaching every corner of the globe - into the homes of Canadians, Americans, and Europeans, encouraging them to bear witness and lend their support.

To express our gratitude for your support, we have curated unique keepsakes from Ukraine - artifacts of our rich heritage, handcrafted family treasures passed down through generations, ready to find a new home with those who generously contribute to our cause.

Organizations:

Launched in 2014, Come Back Alive is the biggest organization providing support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. CBA has supported hundreds of military units and operates with full transparency and open financial reporting.

https://savelife.in.ua/en/

Ukrainian Canadian Advocacy Group is an incredible organization created and based in Vancouver. They’ve been the pillars of fundraising, organizing and ensuring the voices of Ukrainians are heard. We are so thankful to be teaming up with them and raising funds for the Rehabilitation program for Children of Fallen Heroes in Ukraine.

https://www.ucadvocacygroup.org/rehabilitation-program

Lastly, as a team we will be collecting medical supplies and mailing them off to an incredible grassroots organization. A husband and wife duo that knows Natalie Yatsina's family very well, have been taking donated medical supplies and delivering them to frontline hospitals and hospitaleres. We are hoping to send 4+ boxes on behalf of our production.

We sincerely thank you for considering being a part of our journey.

Slava Ukraini!