A powerful documentary film
Why We Went
Why We Went is an immersive documentary following foreign volunteers who left their lives behind to fight in Ukraine. Shot on Super 8, digital, GoPro, and iPhone, this film captures the raw reality of war, the fractured identities of its fighters, and the search for meaning in chaos. Your support will help bring this story to the world, giving a voice to those who risked everything.
Teaser
About the Film
Why do some leave everything behind to fight in a war that isn’t theirs?
Why We Went is an unflinching, deeply personal exploration of those who answered Ukraine’s call—foreign fighters, lost souls, idealists, and warriors seeking purpose in the chaos of war. Told through the intimate lens of filmmaker Ashley Matkowsky, who uncovered her own Slavic roots while documenting the conflict, the film captures war’s fragmented reality—its moments of terror, brotherhood, love, and loss.
Shot on Super 8, digital, GoPro, and iPhone, Why We Went blurs the line between documentary and lived experience, immersing viewers in the raw, surreal, and relentless pulse of modern warfare.
Half of those captured on camera never made it home. Their stories live here, haunting and urgent, asking the question: What does it mean to fight, to survive, and to return—if return is even possible?
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Get in Touch
To learn more about how to become a part the film, feel free to reach out to us. We value your support.
