Hollywood Director and Tory Family Spotlight Ukrainian Child War Victims at Munich Conference

A Hollywood film director, Evgeny Afineevsky, and members of Toronto’s influential Tory family have chosen the Munich Security Conference as the venue to introduce their latest project, "Children in the Fire." The film centers on Ukrainian children who have experienced both physical and mental harm during the war, underscoring the theme that in every conflict, the youngest and most vulnerable are often forgotten. The conference, which also addresses Ukraine’s situation and U.S. political maneuvers, provides a pivotal platform for discussing these pressing humanitarian concerns.

The film project is supported by John Tory, his brother Michael Tory, and their family, with financing also coming from close associates. By revealing this story during a high-profile international forum, the Tory siblings and Afineevsky hope to create a sense of urgency among world leaders to address the suffering inflicted on children in war zones. The screening is set to be a private event for delegates, with a later public debut planned at a future film festival, likely in Canada, where the film aims to reach a broader audience.

One of the film’s most poignant narratives follows Yana Stepanenko, a young teenager who survived a devastating missile attack at a train station in Kramatorsk, resulting in the loss of her lower legs and numerous other lasting injuries. Yana’s ongoing recovery, bolstered by her mother’s support—another victim of the same attack—illustrates a story of both hardship and remarkable resilience. Her journey from the traumatic events of the past years to now preparing for international marathons encapsulates the film's dual focus on tragedy and the unyielding spirit of its young subjects.

Director Afineevsky, who has a strong background in documenting Ukraine’s struggles through award-winning films, uses "Children in the Fire" to show not only the brutal aspects of war but also the strength and determination of children facing these hardships. The film also includes animated sequences created by a Ukrainian studio to visualize the attacks, adding a creative dimension to the portrayal of these wartime experiences. Proceeds from the project are planned to support children’s charities in Ukraine, furthering efforts to help those traumatized by the ongoing conflict.