A documentary screening that’s much more than entertainment – it’s a lifeline between communities separated by oceans but united by humanity.
On June 7th, something remarkable is happening in Kamloops. In a university classroom at Thompson Rivers University, and simultaneously in living rooms across Canada and beyond, people will gather to witness war through a lens rarely seen – the unfiltered reality of those who live it.
More Than Just a Documentary
Standing Free isn’t your typical war film. Shot on the actual frontlines of Ukraine’s fight for freedom, it strips away the sanitized version of conflict we often see in mainstream media. Director Maxim Khomenko has crafted something raw, urgent, and deeply human – a film that asks not just what war looks like in the 21st century, but what it feels like to those caught in its grip.
The evening begins at 4:30 PM with a photo presentation that sets the stage, followed by the documentary screening at 5:00 PM. But perhaps the most powerful moment comes afterward – a live Q&A with Khomenko himself, where audiences can bridge the gap between observer and participant, asking the questions that matter most.
A Fundraiser with Real Impact
Here’s where this event becomes something special: it’s not just about watching – it’s about acting. The virtual ticket option transforms every viewer into a contributor, with 100% of online donations flowing directly to the 95th Air Assault Brigade in Ukraine.
This isn’t charity theater. It’s direct action. Your ticket purchase becomes ammunition, medical supplies, communication equipment – the tools that keep Ukrainian defenders fighting for the freedom we all cherish. And transparency matters: Khomenko provides follow-up videos ensuring every donated dollar reaches its intended destination.
Two Ways to Bear Witness
Whether you’re in Kamloops or anywhere else in the world, you can be part of this moment:
In-Person Experience: Join us at Thompson Rivers University (International Building Room 1015) for the full conference atmosphere. There’s something powerful about sharing this experience with others – the collective intake of breath, the shared silence, the community discussion that follows.
Virtual Participation: Can’t make it to Kamloops? Your virtual ticket unlocks the same exclusive access to the film and Q&A session, while your contribution directly supports Ukrainian forces. Geography becomes irrelevant when compassion transcends borders.
Why This Matters Now
In an era of information overload and compassion fatigue, it’s easy to become numb to distant conflicts. Standing Free cuts through that numbness with surgical precision. It reminds us that behind every headline is a human story, behind every casualty count is someone’s child, parent, or partner.
But more than that, it shows us what resilience looks like. What hope looks like. What standing free actually means when freedom itself is under attack.
Beyond the Screen
The final half-hour dedicated to fundraising and community discussion. This isn’t just about watching a film and going home – it’s about creating connections that outlast the credits. Between Canadian audiences and Ukrainian realities. Between comfortable observers and uncomfortable truths.
The hashtags tell the story: #StandingFree #UkraineCanada #21stCenturyWar. This is contemporary history unfolding in real-time, and we have the opportunity to be witnesses, participants, and supporters all at once.
How to Join
Tickets are available now The link is simple to find https://www.eventbrite.com/e/standing-free-conference-tickets-1387255010079 , but the decision to click it is profound. You’re not just buying access to a documentary – you’re buying into a community of people who believe that bearing witness matters, that standing free isn’t just a slogan but a responsibility.
Saturday, June 7. 4:30-6:30 PM PDT.
The war in Ukraine continues thousands of miles from Kamloops. But on June 7th, for two hours, that distance disappears. In Room 1015 at TRU International Building, and in homes around the world, we’ll all be on the same frontline – the frontline of humanity, compassion, and the belief that freedom is worth fighting for.
Bear witness. Stand free.
For tickets and more information, visit the event link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/standing-free-conference-tickets-1387255010079 . Virtual and in-person options available.
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