In the heart of Kiev, a mural stands as a silent yet powerful testament to the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people. The artwork depicts three pairs of hands—those of a male soldier, enfolding a woman’s hands, which in turn protect the hands of a child. This poignant image, brimming with symbolism, became the catalyst for American producer Karen Floyd’s return to Ukraine, a nation torn apart by war. The miracle story begins when Floyd returns to Ukraine to film the second documentary in the Ukraine series. Her quest was not just to understand the meaning behind the mural but to find hope in a world devastated by conflict.
The mural’s powerful imagery resonated deeply with Floyd, a lawyer, women’s and children’s advocate, and founder of ELYSIAN Multi Media. The artwork’s portrayal of protection, unity, and the fragility of life inspired her latest documentary, Ukraine: For the Children. This 90-minute film serves as a sequel to ELYSIAN Production’s 2023 international award-winning documentary, Ukraine: Twelve Women’s War. In this new chapter, Floyd continues her life’s work of giving a voice to “the silent,” focusing on the resilience and sacrifices of the Ukrainian people, particularly their children.
Returning to Ukraine, Floyd found herself in a landscape scarred by destruction. The once vibrant cities and villages now bore the marks of war—destroyed homes, shattered lives, and a sense of loss that hung heavily in the air. Yet, amidst the devastation, Floyd’s mission was clear: to find and document the hope that still flickered in the hearts of those she met.
In the face of danger, with bombings and battles as a constant backdrop, Floyd delved deeper into the Ukrainian frontlines, seeking to broaden her understanding of the human cost of this conflict. She encountered stories of unimaginable sacrifice—soldiers who had given their limbs, and in many cases, their lives, to defend their motherland. It was in these moments, surrounded by the grim realities of war, that Floyd discovered the true essence of the mural’s message: the hope of the nation, and the future of Ukraine, lay in its children.
During her journey, Floyd met Sasha, a soldier who had suffered catastrophic injuries, losing both legs and an arm in the battle. Sitting beside him, Floyd was struck by the depth of his resilience and the quiet strength that emanated from him. As she listened to his story, she found herself reflecting on her own sons, drawing parallels between their lives and the life Sasha had once known.
A unique bond formed between Floyd and Sasha, one that transcended the immediate circumstances of war. Through their conversations, Floyd learned about Sasha’s family, his hopes, and his dreams, all of which had been irrevocably altered by the conflict. In Sasha’s story, Floyd found the answer she had been searching for—hope, even in its most fragile form, persisted. It was not just a concept but a tangible force that drove Sasha and countless others to keep fighting, not just for themselves, but for the future of their children and their country.
Ukraine: For the Children is more than just a documentary; it is a celebration of the human spirit. Through Floyd’s eyes, we see a nation that, despite its suffering, refuses to give up. The mural in Kiev, with its intertwined hands, becomes a symbol of the strength, commitment, and unwavering hope that the Ukrainian people hold for their future—one that rests in the hands of their children.