Standing Free is the debut feature by Ukrainian-Canadian director Maxim Khomenko, a deeply personal war documentary filmed across Ukraine over three separate visits during the ongoing conflict. Through the eyes of children, civilians, and soldiers, Maxim captures the human cost of russian aggression—and his own journey through war-torn Ukraine. Maxim risked his life to make this film, which features frontline footage from Eastern Ukraine. Max was embedded with the Azov Brigade, the First Presidential Brigade, the 3rd Assault Brigade, and the 95th Air Assault Brigade.

Supported in part by The Shevchenko Foundation, Standing Free has already screened in five countries as a documentary, raising funds for Ukrainian peacekeeping and humanitarian initiatives. For the May 1 Edmonton screening, Maxim is raising donations for Ukrainian Patriot: https://ukrainianpatriot.org

Maxim’s four-year dedication to this project earned him the United Nations Association in Canada’s John Gibbard Humanitarian Award (2023).

On May 1 join Maxim in Edmonton for a screening, Q&A, and behind-the-scenes insight into filming with Ukraine’s Armed Forces—an event full of truth, resilience, and remembrance. The screening of the film will be accompanied by live musicians, playing the films soundtrack live in the theatre, immersing people into an intimate portrayal of war.