On the evening of May 3rd, 2024, I had the pleasure of hosting CMP’s Doc 10 Series Big Table Dinner. This event was significant because it allowed me to support the arts and the powerful medium of impactful storytelling while also highlighting a cause deeply close to my heart—Ukraine.

Doc10 is Chicago’s exclusive all-documentary film festival organized by CMP. Formerly known as Chicago Media Project, CMP now embraces its acronym, reflecting its commitment to Community Media Philanthropy. CMP crowdfunds events that unite filmmakers, institutions, individuals, nonprofit impact organizations, and foundations. Their goal is to cultivate profound connections through socially impactful documentaries. Read more about them here.

Their feature films included “Porcelain War” and an animated short film “Mariupol. A Hundred Nights.” 

Porcelain War follows the story of three artists who live among the destruction and chaos of the brutal russian invasion of Ukraine but still manage to find inspiration and beauty as they defend their country and their culture. In a war waged by professional soldiers against ordinary civilians, Slava Leontyev, Anya Stasenko, and Andrey Stefanov choose to stay behind, armed with their art, their cameras, and, for the first time in their lives, their guns.

Mariupol: A Hundred Nights tells the story of a little girl who wakes up from explosions and tries to survive in a burning city in the first days of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. To escape, she must go through the destroyed streets, facing the unknown and trusting destiny. Later, as an elderly woman, the once-young girl will return to Mariupol and remember everything.

We were honored to have the masterminds behind these impactful films join us: Slava Leontyev, Brendan Bellomo, Paula Dupre Pesmen, Aniela Sidorska, and Sofiia Melnyk. Each of them brought their compelling narratives on the profound significance of impactful filmmaking, inadvertently becoming custodians of history. Through their storytelling of Ukrainian experiences, they immortalize and etch these stories into the chronicles of history.

In the tradition of impact and philanthropy, Operation White Stork (OWS) was the designated beneficiary of the evening. OWS is a US veteran-led nonprofit that delivers life-saving medical kits and essential humanitarian aid to Ukraine. They support individuals—artists, teachers, mothers, and fathers—who courageously sacrifice themselves for freedom and country.

I want to take a moment to sincerely thank everyone who joined me in celebrating these films. Your presence made the occasion deeply meaningful and special. Witnessing individuals like you come together in solidarity and support for these vital causes was truly inspiring.

Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to making a difference. Together, we can positively impact and bring hope to those who need it most.  

Tanya Polsky