Ukrainian Voices: Bud’mo | Award-winning Documentary Film

Ukrainian Voices: Bud'mo is an award-winning documentary about Ukrainian refugees in the United Kingdom following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Since the start of the war, the United Kingdom has welcomed over 200,000 refugees from Ukraine, the majority of them women. Each arrival is a life turned upside down — individuals processing trauma while rebuilding their lives in a new country, language, and society.

This documentary, produced by Blue Whale Films, follows three Ukrainian women from different generations, exploring their lives in the UK over the past two years as they adapt to unfamiliar surroundings while the war in Ukraine continues.

Ariana, 14, schoolgirl. Forced to grow up quicker than she otherwise would have, in order to support her mother with her two younger brothers. She's changed country, school and friends, just as she navigates the enormous shift from childhood to adolescence.

Inna, 43, mother, daughter, doctor. She had to flee some of the fiercest fighting in Ukraine, taking her family with her in a terrifying drive across Europe. Her home lies in ruin and she faces an uncertain future.

Lidia, 73, volunteer. Born into a village of Ukrainian settlers in what is the heart of Russia today, her drive to help in whatever way she can has sustained her from Ukraine to England.

Set in London, Reading, and Peterborough, the film portrays the lives of Ukrainian refugees hosted by British families. It is an honest, moving, and at times uplifting story of resilience, dignity, and survival.

The title comes from the Ukrainian toast “Bud'mo” (“Let us be”), reflecting the strength and determination of Ukrainians displaced by war.

This is the directorial debut of Joseph Terry, inspired by his experience hosting refugees from Kyiv and working with a production team that includes displaced Ukrainians.

Director & Writer— Joseph Terry
Producers — Remy Wigmans, Lora Maltseva, Oleksandra Mazikina, Alex Underwood
Camera & Sound — Andriy Antypenko
Editor — Marc Brak

AWARDS / SCREENINGS

4th Doc Screenings Documentary Film Festival — Tbilisi, Georgia — 24 October 2024
Best Debut Documentary
Live Audience Award

Boundless Film Festival — June 2025 Programme