Summary
My name is Chad Gracia and I spent the last six months working with a filmmaker named Artem on a documentary in Ukraine. Our project was cut short when Artem was shot by snipers. He escaped with broken bones and torn muscles in his bicep, but since they were aiming at his head, the bullets destroyed the camera through which he was documenting the riot police. I'm trying to raise funds to get Artem to see a doctor and to buy him replacement equipment so that he can return to his livelihood.
Artem is a gifted cinematographer (you can see his work in our documentary trailer here: http://www.RussianWoodpecker.com) and also one of the kindest and gentlest people I know. He kept up an almost daily photo blog at Facebook during the events of the Ukrainian Revolution, and his images on the protests are some of the best I've seen (click "gallery" tab above to see a few). In the many weeks I spent with him during the protests, he only wanted to record the atrocities and never took part in any violence. In fact, he is one of the few vegetarians I've met in Ukraine - a rare thing in this meat-heavy culture - and that choice flows from his deeply-held philosophy of non-violence.
Right now a massive disinformation campaign about Ukraine is being orchestrated by Russia and we believe the world needs to stand behind the journalists and filmmakers like Artem who are risking their lives to document the truth. Please help in this effort by getting Artem the care and equipment he needs to continue his work as a chronicler of Ukraine's history.
What a Tax-Deductible Contribution Does
Here is what we need for Artem to work again (prices from B&H Photo online):
- Medical care for broken arm and torn muscles: $1,500
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR Camera: $3,299
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Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens: $1,499
- Sony UWP-V6 Dual Wireless ENG Basic Kit: $1,329
- Contribution for families of killed Ukrainian journalists: $2,000 (see below)
So far, Artem has only gone to a veterinarian for care - my plan is to get him to a real doctor in nearby Lithuania that can ensure his bones and muscles heal properly. I also want to be sure that Artem is to be able to continue working. It took him years to save for his camera and lenses and he works regularly as a freelance cinematographer, but without professional equipment he will be unable to earn a living. Additional funds will go toward counseling for the families of his friends and others who were killed via Global Giving's Ukraine Recovery Charity (#16608). (I've personally vetted this group and can ensure that 100% of the funds will go to those in need.)
For this, you get the rewards listed on this site, as well as the gratitude of me, Artem, our crew, and the people of Ukraine.
Contributions are handled by Rattapallax, a not-for-profit that is also a co-producer of Artem's documentary. They are waiving any fees so that 100% of your donation goes to Ukraine.
The Impact
By making a contribution you will ensure:
- That the snipers who shot Artem do not win by silencing this brave and talented citizen journalist.
- That Artem is able to continue crafting gorgeous images of historical importance for many years to come.
- That 100% of the funds contributed reach Artem and his colleagues, as I will personally reimburse to him any credit card processing or Indiegogo fees.
Other Ways You Can Help
It would be extremely valuable if you can share this campaign with your friends. There are tools here at Indiegogo that make that easy.
If you have any questions at all, you may reach me at chad@graciagroup.com
On behalf of Artem and the rest of our team, thank you!
- Chad Gracia
