As the war in Ukraine continues, four children—Ivanna (11), Ruslan (8), Myroslava (9), and Maksym (10)—navigate life in an active war zone. Once Upon a Time in Ukraine follows their daily realities and creative ways of coping. Ivanna writes and illustrates fairy tales she created while hiding for 250 days. Ruslan fishes in a missile‑made pond and dreams of rebuilding his home. Myroslava practices gymnastics while mourning her father lost at the front. Maksym, despite night terrors, finds joy in dancing and rollerblading.

The war has forced these children to grow up quickly, shaping their understanding of the world and worrying their parents about the long‑term impact. Yet their imagination, humor, and pride in their identity persist. Directed by Academy Award nominee Betsy West and filmed by an all‑Ukrainian crew, the documentary shows life behind the frontlines through the eyes of children processing trauma in real time.

Film is narrated in Ukrainian with English subtitles.

Streaming option not available for post secondary institutions.