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Deep Dive: Out from the Ashes (2024)

Film Lens

Out from the Ashes
Out from the Ashes follows Milena, a young woman from Ukraine, as she navigates the horrors of war while trying to escape her home in Mariupol. Alongside her mother and grandmother, Milena endures a month in a bombed-out building's basement, witnessing the destruction of her city. The film captures her emotional struggle and the connection she maintains with Ken Pontac, a long-time friend who provides support from afar through social media. The documentary presents a personal account of the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It shows the role of social media in connecting individuals across vast distances, as Milena's conversations with Ken serve as a lifeline during her ordeal. The film emphasizes the human stories behind the headlines, focusing on the experiences of refugees and the efforts of those trying to help them.

Why Watch

  • Meet Milena, a survivor from bombed-out Mariupol.
  • Follow Ken Pontac's support from across the world.
  • See the impact of social media on refugees.

Did You Know

Milena spent a month in a basement during the siege of Mariupol.
Ken Pontac is a long-time Facebook friend of Milena and acts as a father figure.
The film has a duration of 88 minutes.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.

Perfect For

Ukrainian conflictSocial media connectionsRefugee experiences