FORMER IRIS CLIENTS SCREEN UKRAINE DOCUMENTARY

On March 11, 2025, IRIS held a benefit screening of "Mariupol: Survivors" with filmmakers Mariia Mykhno and Anastasiia Bazdyrieva. Chef Ievgen Skalozub provided classic, savory Ukrainian food for attendees. Gayane Kazaryan, an Armenian-Ukrainian musician and client of IRIS, welcomed guests with traditional Ukrainian music on played on the Qanun.

The screening of "Mariupol: Survivors" did not leave a dry eye in the sanctuary at IRIS. The documentary exposes the brutal reality of war: between 87,000 and 138,000 civilians are estimated to have been killed in Mariupol. The documentary tells the true stories of Olga, Olena, and Mariia, three survivors whose lives were forever changed by the war. Their accounts paint a harrowing picture of loss, resilience, and survival. Olga, a mother of three, lost her husband when a Russian missile struck their home. Olena, a retired civil servant, risked everything to evacuate children from the war zone. Mariia, a young student, survived three near-death experiences, constantly fleeing as rockets targeted her city.

Since all federal funding has been withdrawn, this screening was an opportunity to help build community and raise awareness and funds for services to support survivors. IRIS has relied on private support to provide aid for clients since January. Newly available State funding will aid in providing legal service and support for Ukrainians.