Award-winning Filmmaker to Screen, Discuss New Project "Stories from Ukraine" at El Camino College

Documentary filmmaker Rick Ray never imagined he would work in a battle zone. He's built a decades-long career creating critically acclaimed, award-winning travel documentaries featuring the lush landscapes and stunning beauty of far-away locales. But after watching news reports from Ukraine, he felt compelled to document the war and tell the stories of everyday people who continue with their lives among unfathomable danger and uncertainty.

Ray will lead an audience discussion after screening his work "Stories from Ukraine" at El Camino College's Marsee Auditorium at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9. Part of the college's Discovery World Travel Adventure Film Series, Ray's work features in-depth interviews with a variety of Ukrainian citizens who describe their daily life as the war with Russia blasts through their neighborhoods. A discussion with Ray and Ukrainian Julia Celeste Garcia will follow.

This new project is an extreme departure from the Ventura-based filmmaker's usual work, and one he hopes will motivate others to help where they can. He was personally inspired to act after following the online posts of three 20-something friends in Ukraine dedicated to caring for dogs left behind in a shelter. Ray, a dog owner himself, thought this was a cause he could support. Yet, as he watched the volunteers return home from feeding the abandoned pets, a Russian tank opened fire on their car, killing everyone inside.

"Watching these young people, the answer to 'what can I do?' came to me right then and there," Ray said. "At that point I broke down and told my wife that I had to try and made a difference for the people in Ukraine. I have a skill set; I can tell stories, I just had to go. This is a case where we all need to help each other in any way we can. This is what I can do."

Ray was uneasy about this spontaneous idea; he had never been in an active war zone before. A press pass from the military helped with checkpoints and access to different areas, but his work was never regulated or monitored. One thing he learned fairly quickly is that nowhere is safe.

"Cities just seem like normal cities over there. Until they're not," he said. "I went into a burned-out apartment and could see cereal bowls still on the kitchen table. It's life as usual but also very dangerous all the time. And that's what was so strange. Among all this war and uncertainty, these people just try and live their regular life: meeting for coffee, going to school, going to work – all the usual things. At this point, many Ukrainians don't run to shelter when warning sirens go off; there seems to be a casual acceptance of the danger. They are just determined to retain their own power and not let Putin or Russia ruin their life."

Despite the frequent shelling and air raids, Ray was able to connect with residents with assistance from translators and record their stories. He didn't have a coordinated plan, crew, or connections in Ukraine, but people were willing to help, and many were eager to get their stories out. Among the many interviews Ray filmed, one featuring a 12-year-old artist stands out.

"This young girl lives in a house where a shell came through but didn't explode," he said. "She and her family stayed there, but after that, she retreated into her attic and started drawing, which allowed her to escape the horrors she is experiencing. Her work is remarkable; this is museum-quality, professional work. She didn't talk much, but her art says a lot."

This story and more will be presented at El Camino over the course of two screenings. Each story stands on its own and personalizes the struggle as a whole. Audience members are invited to participate in discussions and ask questions. The addition of Ukrainian Julia Celeste Garcia brings an extra dimension to the experience – though she is married and has a family in California now, the rest of her family remains in Ukraine.

"Before this, I was a happy-go-lucky travel film maker," Ray said. "I had never been to a so-called 'hot zone' before and I have never felt more purposeful or focused in my work. I'm here to help tell their stories and make a difference. I am looking forward to going back one day to celebrate their joy when they have the freedom that they worked so hard for – freedom we often take for granted."

Students of all ages, from any school, can view "Stories from Ukraine" and participate in the discussion at no cost. This offer includes one free ticket per student. Students are asked to call 310-329-5345 or email artstickets@elcamino.edu by Friday, October 6 to reserve a ticket. Once reserved, tickets will be held at the Marsee Auditorium Ticket Office will call section under the student's name.

All other tickets are $14-$16 each and may be purchased at www.centerforthearts.org using the online system. Campus parking is included in the ticket price; no permit required. The Ticket Office is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays for walk-up sales, and one hour before all performances. El Camino College is located at 16007 Crenshaw Boulevard, Torrance.

El Camino Community College District encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Center for the Arts as soon as possible, but no later than seven days prior to the event.