War Tails is a 2024 documentary film about the efforts to rescue animals left behind as their human families escape war in Ukraine. Filmed in Ukraine and produced in Canada, the film was directed by Olha Byrledianu, produced by Daniel Fine and Tana Axtelle. It features Krystina Dragomaretska, an architect-turned-volunteer who leads animal rescue missions on the front lines of the Russian invasion.
War Tails is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.
Critical response "The love of animals, especially as in Dan and Krystina’s cases, dogs, transcends boundaries. Heroes like these emerge from their choices, which often involve sacrifice, courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to doing what is right." Nina May, Wunderdog Magazine.
"In the movie, Axtelle and Fine — co-founders of the Ukraine War Animals Relief Fund (UWARF) — bring this critical issue to light, demonstrating the power of compassion and the urgent need for action." MLT News.
"Watching War Tails left me deeply moved. As a military member with a profound love for dogs, I couldn’t help but feel conflicted. It’s impossible to ignore the broader implications of war, not just for humans but for the countless voiceless beings caught in its crossfire." Theresa Carpenter.
“It's not possible to see an abandoned dog in a bombed-out building quivering with fear at the sound of explosions without being moved to tears, nor is it possible to remain dry-eyed by the sight of the same dog coming alive with the care and attention of the vets and volunteers of the Ukraine War Animal Fund. While mostly focused on the rescue of stray animals, it also works as a powerful reminder of just how inhumane and brutal this war perpetrated by Russia has been for the people of Ukraine. The innumerable abandoned animals are shadowed by the untold human tragedies and atrocities that led their owners to flee”. A Review by David Jackson, for BAFTA Qualifying Cambridge Film Festival, 2024.
Awards and nominations Nominee, Best International Documentary Film, Seattle Film Festival, 2024 Winner, Seattle Filmmaker Feature Film Award, Seattle Film Festival, 2024 Winner, Audience Choice, Seattle Film Festival, 2024 Winner, Feature Film Award, Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival, 2024 Winner, Original Composition for a Documentary, Australian Music Awards, 2024 Winner, Feature Film Award, S.O.F.A Tails, 2024 Winner, Feature Film Award, Bridge of Peace Film Festival, 2024 Finalist, Feature Film Award, BAFTA Qualifying Cambridge Film Festival, 2024 Finalist, Feature Film Award, Global Peace Film Festival, 2024 Finalist, Best Editing, Anatolia International Film Festival, 2024 Jury Special Mention, Feature Film Award, KO International Ethnographic Film Festival, 2024 Honourable Mention, Feature Film Award, Bobritsa Film Festival, 2024 Selection, Symbiotic Film Festival, 2024 Selection, Dispatches of War – Selection, 2024 Selection, Santa Fe Film Festival, 2025 Selection, Wallachia International Film Festival, 2025 Selection, PTAKH - Ukrainian Film Festival in UK, 2025 Selection, Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, 2025 Bronze Winner, Honoring impactful documentary storytelling, The Telly Awards, 2025
See also
Anna Kurkurina, Ukrainian animal rescue volunteer
References
External links
War Tails Official site War Tails streaming on Amazon Prime