Variety reports on the effort by Ukrainian filmmakers to support those documenting the war. Darya Bassel, a Ukrainian born filmmaker, said in an interview with Variety that the primary goal of these filmmakers is to “collect evidence of the crimes that Russia is doing to us.” Bassel’s office is currently providing resources to filmmakers closer to the conflict, such as food rations, gasoline, power banks and bulletproof vests.

The purpose of filmmakers documenting this conflict lies in the importance of morale among Ukranians. Bessel asserts that many Ukranians remain optimistic due to the awareness raised from proper information about the Russian occupation being shared through news outlets and social media. Even Russian citizens have been protesting the decisions of the Russian government. The success of these filmmakers on the ground is integral to this information being shared with the rest of the world.

A documentary from Sean Penn is currently being filmed amidst the occupation of Ukraine. A big name like Penn can serve to raise awareness to a much larger degree. Penn, who met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, told The Washington Post that “President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people have risen as historic symbols of courage and principle” and said that Putin “made a most horrible mistake for all of humankind.” Zelensky’s refusal to evacuate the country he leads has been a source of hope and a raise of morale for the people of Ukraine. Zelensky’s actions represent the courage and principle that Penn is talking about. Penn’s documentary will focus on the destruction caused by the Russian invasion as well as the political importance of Ukraine as, in Penn’s words, “the tip of the spear for the Democratic embrace of dreams.”

Russia invaded Ukraine of February 24th, 2022, and continues to sow destruction in Ukraine in hopes of occupying the country.