This film aims to raise global awareness of the impact of the war on the most vulnerable members of society — the children — whose lives are impacted in many ways.

The film will provide viewers with an understanding of the experiences of Ukrainian children with an emphasis upon hope, resiliency and survival.

The viewing is free for the public and will feature a brief Zoom discussion with Academy Award nominated director Evgeny Afineevsky following the film.

According to a release from the event organizers, most Americans may not be aware that some 20,000 Ukrainian children have been taken from their parents and carers by Russian forces. What may surprise Americans is that some have returned from Russia to tell the tale — and a harrowing one it is: with all experiencing indoctrination; some, terrifying emotional abuse and neglect, sometimes in state psychiatric hospitals; and a few, appalling physical tortures.

PHOTOS PROVIDED Images from the documentary “Children in the Fire,” about children who have lived through the Ukraine War, are shown above. The documentary will be shown at CU-Lock Haven in the Hall of Flags on Monday, April 13, at 6:30 p.m.

This documentary, half animated, makes it clear that although the abductions are programmatic and supported at the highest levels of the Russian state, they are not necessarily a one-way ticket, the release states.

As Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska puts it, in one of several surprise VIP cameos, each child can be rescued through “months of effort by hundreds of people.”

Among the non-abductees, the documentary introduces you to a boy who, despite being so traumatized by witnessing torture that he “erased” 10 years worth of childhood memories, aspires to be a diplomat; a girl who completes the Boston 5k despite the loss of both legs in the Kramatorsk Railway Station bombardment; and a boy who, despite horrific burns suffered in a separate rocket attack, becomes a ballroom-dancing sensation in Blackpool.

Dr. Rick Schulze, retired professor, CU-Lock Haven, taught in Eastern Ukraine at Lugansk State Medical University and has made it his mission to educate Americans about the impact of war upon Ukraine and its people.

“War is so distant for us in America. I hope this film might help students, faculty, staff and local residents recognize the power of children to recover from trauma,” Schulze said. “This is ultimately an uplifting film. I hope everyone can join me. I truly think everyone will feel hopeful after viewing the film.”

PHOTOS PROVIDED Images from the documentary “Children in the Fire,” about children who have lived through the Ukraine War, are shown above. The documentary will be shown at CU-Lock Haven in the Hall of Flags on Monday, April 13, at 6:30 p.m.

Professionals who work with children such as teachers, day care personnel, social workers and others will find the film applicable to their fields. Families will find it appropriate viewing material.

For additional information, contact Dr. Rick Schulze at fschulze@commonwealthu.edu.