A Leeds-based charity screened a documentary about its humanitarian aid trips to Ukraine last week, raising £5,000.
Yorkshire Aid Convoy partnered with Film Director Rhys Durkin of Norde Polar Films to produce 'Silent Night' - a documentary following the charity on their eighth convoy to war-stricken Kyiv.
The charity, consisting of a group of dedicated Yorkshire business leaders, has been operating for more than 20 years with deliveries to remote parts of Romania and more recently, Ukraine, including the active war zone, Kyiv.
And the heart-wrenching watch premiered for the first ever time at a private screening at Everyman Cinema in Harrogate on 16th January, with over 250 viewers.
It’s now available to watch online here:
Since the charity’s establishment in 2002, more than 30 trips have been made to vulnerable areas across Europe, with a large majority to Ukraine since the start of the war nearly two years ago to deliver aid to those most in need.
Up until March 2024, the convoy, had been visiting the west side of the country to provide the the donated necessities from Yorkshire, however, for the eighth trip, the team of selfless volunteers drove deeper into the war zone, delivering seven truckloads of aid, including school and medical supplies, hygiene products, electronics and more into the heart of Kyiv to those still their living in everyday-turmoil as a result of the war.
Joining the convoy on this trip was Film Director and Producer, Rhys Durkin, who captured the journey from start to finish to give a real insight into what the Ukrainian population deals with day-to-day.
‘Silent Night’ offers an eye-opening look into the life altering effects of war, whilst also celebrating all of the incredible work done by the volunteers.
The documentary features scenes that truly showcase the difficulties faced by the public, but also the hope they hold in times of despair.
Gary Dooley, Trustee of the Yorkshire Aid Convoy said:
“Being able to spread this important message is truly an honour. Seeing the devastating impact of war first hand really drives you to do anything in your power to help.
“Experiencing air raid sirens which were so terrifying to us, but such a routine to those over there really made it hit home what they’re going through.
“We’ll continue to arrange convoys, with another trip to Kyiv on the cards hopefully for 2025 to return and continue to help the people of Ukraine.
“We’re incredibly proud of the documentary and hope it will impact watchers enough to help, the same way we felt after our first ever trip with humanitarian aid.”
The team has big plans for the documentary, with the film being available on a select number of major streaming services soon.
Rhys Durkin said:
“As a new filmmaker, it is a real honour to get to tell the story of everyday people living and working in hostile and challenging conditions and this project was, for me, a chance to share that story.
“To be there, in Kyiv in 2024, with air raid sirens and the continual reminder of war and loss was oppressive and at times frightening, but human spirit triumphs and it’s that resilience and resourcefulness that I wanted to capture.
“Accompanying The Yorkshire Aid Convoy team on this pivotal mission, I was very privileged to have no-holds barred access into a city torn apart by war but yet united by pride and hope for the future and I hope my film has conveyed some of that feeling.”
Attended by 270 people and £5,000 currently raised from the event, the premier was a huge success with these vital funds being put towards the next convoy planned.
Further donations are also welcomed here: www.yorkshireaidconvoy.co.uk/donate/.
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