Briarcliff Entertainment has secured the North American rights to the powerful documentary 'Ash and Crayons', directed by acclaimed filmmaker Evgeny Afineevsky. This film, which showcases the resilience of Ukrainian children amidst the ongoing war, is set for a theatrical release on November 20, World Children's Day. The acquisition marks a significant step in bringing this important story to a wider audience and highlights Briarcliff's commitment to impactful cinema.
Evgeny Afineevsky, a Russian-born Israeli-American director, has been a dedicated chronicler of the war in Ukraine for over a decade. His previous works, such as 'Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom' and its sequel 'Freedom on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom', have garnered critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination. 'Ash and Crayons' continues his exploration of the human impact of war, combining verité footage with animated sequences created by Ukrainian artists.
The film follows seven Ukrainian children as they navigate the unimaginable horrors of war, from catastrophic injuries to forcible deportations, with remarkable resilience. An early cut of the film received the prestigious Cinema for Peace Award in Berlin, presented by Hillary Clinton. This recognition underscores the film's emotional impact and its ability to convey powerful messages through the eyes of these young survivors.
Tom Ortenberg, the veteran film executive behind Briarcliff Entertainment, expressed his enthusiasm for the film, stating, 'All of us at Briarcliff are proud to be associated with such a strong and affecting film, and we look forward to bringing it to audiences this fall.' Kevin Goetz, one of the film's producers, emphasized the importance of sharing these inspiring stories, praising Afineevsky's work and the collaboration with Ukrainian artists and industry professionals.
Afineevsky himself expressed his honor in sharing the stories of these incredible children, drawing inspiration from their resilience. He also acknowledged the support of various Ukrainian organizations and his producers, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project. The acquisition by Briarcliff Entertainment ensures that 'Ash and Crayons' will reach a broad audience, sparking important conversations about the human cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
This acquisition is a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking and its ability to shed light on critical global issues. 'Ash and Crayons' promises to be a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience, offering a unique perspective on the war in Ukraine and the resilience of its people.
