On Saturday, August 9, the morning after ELYSIAN’s Autumn 2025 Golden Issue Launch at The Vault in the Bellagio, guests reconvened for a more contemplative chapter of the weekend’s events. The evening before had been filled with golden glamour, lively conversation, and meaningful new connections; now, those connections carried forward into a morning defined by empathy, storytelling, and purpose.
The gathering took place at The Space, a leading-edge events and arts complex in the heart of Las Vegas. Upon arrival, guests were welcomed into its chic and eclectic lobby with a thoughtfully curated breakfast—an offering designed to set a serene, mindful tone before the emotional weight of what was to come.
The morning’s focal point was an exclusive private screening of Ukraine: For the Children, an award-winning documentary executive produced by Karen Floyd and her team. Building upon the international acclaim of its predecessor, Fight for Ukraine: 12 Women’s War, this sequel has resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. From premieres at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., to intimate showings in Charleston, Rome, and other global cities, the film continues to spark dialogue, inspire support, and amplify the voices of those most impacted by the war.
Ukraine: For the Children offers an unflinching, poignant view into the human cost of conflict, with a focus on its youngest and most vulnerable victims. Through raw, intimate moments—bombed-out streets, shattered homes, and the quiet determination of children navigating an uncertain future—the documentary illuminates both the fragility and the resilience of the human spirit. Floyd’s compassionate narration and deeply personal interviews lend the film its power, making the invisible visible and ensuring that the stories behind the headlines are neither forgotten nor ignored.
For many attendees, the screening was more than an artistic experience; it was a call to action. As the images unfolded on screen, there was a shared sense of urgency in the room—a recognition that art and advocacy are inseparable when it comes to creating meaningful change. In showing the courage of women leading peace efforts and the strength of communities under siege, the documentary embodies the belief that storytelling can ignite hope, inspire action, and unite people across borders.
The Space proved an ideal setting for such an intimate, impactful event. Since opening its doors in 2017, the 3,000-square-foot venue has become a cultural hub in Las Vegas, hosting everything from fashion shows to plays, musicals, weddings, and concerts by Tony, Grammy, and Country Music Award winners. Its raw theater and event space, outfitted with state-of-the-art staging and AV capabilities, offers a flexible and immersive environment for performances and screenings. Complemented by a broadcast-quality recording studio and its stylish gathering areas, The Space blends sophistication with versatility—qualities that matched ELYSIAN’s vision for the morning.
As the credits rolled and the lights came up, conversations resumed—quieter, more measured than the night before, but no less significant. Guests spoke of the images that stayed with them, the parallels to other global struggles, and the role each person might play in advancing peace. This was, in many ways, the continuation of what had begun at The Vault: a meeting of minds and hearts, grounded in the belief that connection is the first step toward change.
The weekend’s juxtaposition—celebration on one evening, reflection on the next morning—embodied ELYSIAN’s mission to inspire, connect, and make a difference. In bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to witness a story of resilience amid devastation, the screening at The Space became more than an event. It became part of a movement, proving once again that when art and empathy meet, the result is nothing short of transformative.