U.S. firefighters document impact of Russian strikes in Ukraine, set to release second film

Springfield News-Leader reports the information.

The two firefighters, who bonded over their shared passion for filmmaking, took their first trip to Ukraine within a year of the invasion. With no prior documentary experience, their initial concept quickly shifted upon arrival. Their focus landed on Andriy Kolbovsky, a minister and father whom Davidson had met years before. Originally meant to be their translator and guide, Kolbovsky and his family instead became the heart of the story.

Their first film, Blue Skies Over Donetsk, documented Kolbovsky’s efforts to deliver aid while raising his children amid air raid sirens and blackouts. What began as a one-time project has since evolved into a long-term commitment. Davidson and Weeks plan to continue their work, aiming to capture the Kolbovsky children’s lives over a decade.

The Springfield premiere of Gold Fields in Donbas is set for Tuesday at the College Station Theater, with free screenings at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. Reservations can be made online. Their first documentary is available in full on YouTube.