Award-winning Frome producer Kayleigh-Paige Rees has released a new documentary on Amazon Prime, shining a light on the lives of displaced Ukrainian families and children.
Narrated by Stephen Fry and produced in collaboration with her company, Raspberry Films, We Are Home offers a raw and human look at the people affected by war in Ukraine.
“The film captures both the devastation and the resilience of those affected and living in Skole, a safer region in Ukraine,” said Kayleigh-Paige, who was named one of Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2022 and won Best Producer in 2023 for her documentary Keep Calm & Carry On, which followed families through the Covid lockdowns.
We Are Home was shot on location in Skole and host communities. “It documents the emotional journeys of those forced to flee their homes, their fight to maintain identity and dignity and the quiet strength that emerges amid chaos,” said Kayleigh-Paige.
Mothers and children
“At the heart of the documentary is a powerful narrative that centres not on politics but on people – the mothers trying to rebuild stability, the children searching for a sense of normalcy and the communities opening their doors in solidarity.”
Kayleigh-Paige began working on the project and visited Ukraine in early 2023 and returned with a Ukrainian crew later that year to film on the ground.
“There are numerous stories about the front line, quite rightly so, and the bravery of all those fighting and putting their lives on the line,” she said. “However, there hadn’t been any publications/broadcasters at the time who had created anything reporting on how the war has affected children and families, especially those who were displaced from Kyiv and Odessa and currently living in Ukraine.
“It’s hard to describe how it felt in the midst of a war zone. I was fortunate enough to be staying in a much safer area in Ukraine, yet in my first trip on our way back we learnt that the train track behind where we were staying had been bombed. It feels overwhelming.
“Above the sadness and gravitas of the situation that I initially felt, I was so inspired by everyone I met. Their resilience, humanity, solidarity and hope for the future made me in complete awe of them and I still think about them most days.
Air raid alerts
“Whilst out there, you’re constantly checking the air raid alert app to monitor safety. Your phone alarms if the situation changes. It’s surreal to walk into schools and see teachers with these live maps open on their laptops during lessons.
“Everyone has, to some extent, adapted to their situation. Filming with a Ukrainian crew, I became slightly numb to the environment – it’s strange to say, but it’s the truth.”
Despite the circumstances, she described the experience as incredibly welcoming. “I’ve never felt so at ease filming anywhere. I was fortunate to return to Ukraine in November 2024 to screen the film for everyone involved – including local councillors, schools and the wider community.
“I was overwhelmed by their response and relieved they felt the documentary properly represented their lives and stories. Everyone I spoke to after the screening said it truly captured the experience of displaced children and families. That’s all I could have ever hoped for.”
She added, “The release of We Are Home comes at a critical moment in the ongoing humanitarian crisis. It serves both as a call to awareness and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people.”
On working with Stephen Fry, she added, “We really wanted the best narrator possible to be involved and work on this project. I was aware that Stephen Fry has been open and involved surrounding the discussion of the Ukraine war and the mental health toll this will take on all those involved. I approached his representation with a letter I’d written personally to him, explaining the reasoning behind the documentary, why I felt so strongly about him being involved and the intention of it. We were lucky that he said yes and the rest is history”.
Kayleigh-Paige launched Raspberry Films in 2019 after working as an actress, with roles including in the ITV/PBS Masterpiece drama Sanditon.
We Are Home is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
