Statement on the Invasion of Ukraine

Along with the rest of the world, the MetFilm School community has watched in horror as events have unfolded in Ukraine. We strongly condemn the unprovoked invasion of a sovereign nation and the indiscriminate violence inflicted by Russian military forces.

Since the conflict began, we have been reaching out to students and staff who may be directly affected by these events to offer our support and solidarity. Our thoughts are also with the Ukrainian filmmaking and academic communities, those who have close ones in the wider region who may be feeling the effects of this crisis, international students living in Ukraine, and those within Russia courageously opposing the conflict.

In the face of such adversity, MetFilm School affirms its commitment to the values and freedoms that are central to our way of life and our institution: community, tolerance, cooperation, freedom of enquiry and expression.

In these circumstances, we must not forget the power in each of us to bring about positive change in our society and we are encouraged to see so many of our community already engaged in protests, charitable endeavours, and directly supporting refugees.

If you would like to support the international response to this crisis but are unsure as to how you might best contribute, we would encourage you to explore the work of these organisations:

• DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, through which you can support a range of charities to provide water, food, shelter and healthcare to refugees and displaced families.
• Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft, through which you can support eleven relief organisations working in the field through one alliance.
• Ukrainian Institute which provides continually updated advice on what you can do to support Ukrainians.
• Médicins Sans Frontieres (Germany here, UK here) which is working to reach the worst hit areas.

Lastly, if there are any students affected by this crisis who have not yet been contacted, please do not hesitate to contact Student Services at wellbeing@metfilmschool.ac.uk. Affected staff members should contact HR.

9 March 2022
MetFilm Community