EVENTS
FREE film screening Children in the Fire
DATE: Saturday, February 21, 4pm
LOCATION: LightHouse Arts Centre, 1800 Argyle St, Halifax
TRAILER | FB EVENT | EVENTBRITE
We invite you to a special community screening of the powerful documentary “Children in the Fire”, directed by Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Evgeny Afineevsky (Winter on Fire).
The screening commemorates four full years of Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine that started February 24 2022, and honours those most affected by the war — Ukrainian children.
About the Film
Children in the Fire tells the deeply moving stories of Ukrainian children whose lives have been irrevocably changed by war. Through a powerful combination of real footage and animation, the film presents war as seen through children’s eyes — their fears, losses, and extraordinary resilience.
Director Evgeny Afineevsky emphasizes that the film was created to ensure the world truly hears children’s voices, not just statistics or headlines. By drawing the audience into a child’s perspective, the film invites empathy, understanding, and moral responsibility. It is a story not only about trauma, but also about hope, courage, and the unbreakable human spirit. Children in the Fire asks us not to look away, but to witness, remember, and act.
Before the screening, guests are invited to explore a photo documentary gallery presented by Halifax Creative Ukrainians. This visual exhibition offers context and tells human stories of the war in Ukraine, creating space for reflection and quiet engagement before the film.
Screening will follow a commemorative rally organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress NS Branch that will take place at 2.45 pm at the Grand Parade.
Our community extends heartfelt gratitude to Lighthouse Arts Centre for their generosity, solidarity, and continued support of the Ukrainian community. Thanks to Lighthouse Arts Centre, we are able to waive all entrance fees and offer this screening free of charge, making it accessible to everyone. Their commitment to art, culture, and human stories makes this event possible, and we are deeply thankful for their partnership and hospitality.
Commemorative public events are co-organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Nova Scotia Branch, the East Coast Ukrainian Association, and Halifax Creative Ukrainians Association and SMU Ukrainian Students Club.
Please join us, bring friends and family, and help spread the word. Your presence is a powerful act of solidarity.
Bring Kids Back ( @bringkidsback_ua ) and Ukrainian World Congress ( @uwcongress )
Instagram – @evgeny_director (https://www.instagram.com/evgeny_director/ )
X (former twitter) – @evgeny_director (https://x.com/evgeny_director )
Facebook – Evgeny Afineevsky www.facebook.com/evgeny.afineevsky/ profile as director ( https://www.facebook.com/evgeny.director/
As Ukraine marks the fourth year of Russia’s brutal and genocidal war, we call on the Halifax community to gather on Saturday, February 21 
to stand in unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and to honour all those who have lost their lives defending freedom, sovereignty, and democratic values.
On this day of remembrance and resistance, our community is organizing a series of public events in Halifax to educate, mobilize, and demand action:
2:45 PM — Commemorative Rally at Grand Parade
A public rally to condemn Russian aggression, honour the fallen, and demand continued political, military, and humanitarian support for Ukraine. We call on Canada and its allies to remain firm: no appeasement, no fatigue, no compromise on Ukraine’s sovereignty.
3:30 PM — Photo Documentary Exhibition
A powerful visual exhibition documenting the human cost of Russia’s war —destroyed cities , displaced families, and lives forever changed — reminding us why global solidarity and accountability matter.
4:00 PM — FREE Documentary Screening CHILDREN IN THE FIRE
Join us for a FREE screening of a deeply moving documentary which tells the stories of Ukrainian children whose lives have been irrevocably altered by war.
Through real footage and animation, the film reveals the reality of Russia’s war through children’s eyes — their fear, loss, and extraordinary resilience 
Russia’s war against Ukraine is not only an attack on one nation — it is an assault on freedom, democracy, and human rights worldwide. Ukraine’s resistance is a frontline defense of the international rules-based order. With the support of Canada 
and democratic allies, Ukraine continues to stand against tyranny.
Commemorative public events are co-organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Nova Scotia Branch, the East Coast Ukrainian Association, and Halifax Creative Ukrainians Association.
On February 21, we invite everyone to raise their voices for Ukraine — to show solidarity, demand justice and accountability for war crimes, call for lasting peace, and insist on sustained global support for Ukraine until victory
PAST EVENTS 2025
Highlights of 2025
East Coast Ukrainian Festival 2025
East Coast Ukrainian Festival 2025 (September 28, 12-5pm) was a great success in a new modern venue at the Steele Wheels Motor Museum at Bayers Lake. The Festival had an impressive line up of visiting artists: Rozmai Ukrainian Dancers and ShockolaD, the pop-Jazz fusion band, as well as local talent. With traditional foods, over 20 vendors, and hands-on activities for children and adults, it was a true testament to the flourishing Ukrainian culture, both traditional and modern! Visit our our Facebook and Instagram for Festival highlights, photos, and videos!
Daughters of Donbas – Songs of Stolen Children
Daughters of Donbas – Songs of Stolen Children was a performance highlighting the abduction of 20,000 Ukrainian children from occupied Eastern Ukraine. Led by Amnesty International Prize winner Marichka and produced with Grammy-nominated Dan Rosenberg, the project united professional musicians to give voice to children silenced by war.
Through haunting acoustic performances rooted in Ukrainian folk traditions, the concert explored grief, resilience, and hope while confronting ongoing cultural erasure—inviting audiences to witness, remember, and stand in solidarity.
Highlights of 2024
East Coast Ukrainian Festival 2024
September 29, 2024
The East Coast Ukrainian Festival 2024 was held on September 29 at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax. The program included Ukrainian food vendors, live music, traditional dance performances, and children’s cultural workshops. A featured exhibit, Love Letters from the Past, displayed letters written by early Ukrainian immigrants, offering historical insight into their lives and experiences.
The evening concert featured Los Iankovers, a Colombian band with Ukrainian roots, performing traditional Ukrainian songs.
UNBROKEN UKRAINE
Barvinok Charity Tour in Atlantic Canada, July 2024
The UNBROKEN UKRAINE charity tour, held from July 17 to 28, 2024, featured the Barvinok Dance Ensemble performing in six cities across four provinces: Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The Halifax concert took place on July 24 at the Light House Arts Centre and included traditional Ukrainian dances, notably the Hopak, alongside performances by local musicians such as Charlie A’Court, Jim Henman, Brett Matthews, Asif Illyas, and Benny Fong.
The tour successfully raised $56,000 for the UNBROKEN Rehabilitation Centre in Lviv, Ukraine, which provides comprehensive care, including prosthetics, physical therapy, and psychological support, to war-affected individuals.
2024 events
NEWSLETTER sign up
East Coast Ukrainian Association 
