Documentary on Ukrainian Mother-Daughter Refugees Premieres in Delhi
New Delhi: The global premiere of All I Want for Christmas, a moving travel documentary produced by Travelxp, was held at the Embassy of Finland in New Delhi last evening. Hosted in collaboration with the embassies of Finland, Ukraine, and Norway, as well as SIFFCY and the Smile Foundation, the event brought together diplomats, journalists, and changemakers for an emotional evening centered on the resilience of refugees and the power of hope.
Directed by national award-winning filmmaker Kamakhya Narayan Singh, the 42-minute documentary tells the story of Anastasia, a young Ukrainian refugee, and her mother as they face the hardships of displacement caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Seeking to restore a sense of joy in their lives, Anastasia’s mother plans a trip to Finland’s Lapland, a winter wonderland known for its magical Christmas atmosphere. Their journey takes them on adventures like dog sledding through pristine snowy landscapes and swimming in the icy waters of Kemi, offering a glimpse of the warmth and wonder they seek amidst their struggles.
The premiere was met with a deeply emotional response from the audience, including Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk, Ambassador of Ukraine to India, who expressed his gratitude for the film. “We are deeply grateful to the filmmakers and Travelxp for bringing this powerful story to life. The film highlights the devastating impact of war on children, who deserve peace, safety, and a loving home. Ukraine is committed to initiatives like Bring Kids Back UA, which seeks to give children their right to a future filled with hope, as we see in Anastasia’s story,” he said.
Mr. Kimmo Lähdevirta, Ambassador of Finland to India, also praised the documentary for highlighting the resilience and dreams of refugees. "The film reflects our shared commitment to solidarity and compassion, emphasizing our belief in a brighter future for everyone, especially those displaced by conflict," he stated.
Norwegian Ambassador May-Elin Stener added, "The documentary beautifully captures the essence of love, family, and hope. Anastasia and Ksenia’s journey remind us of the importance of supporting refugees, as Norway continues to host over 85,000 Ukrainians."
Nisha Chothani, the producer of the documentary and co-founder of Travelxp, shared her thoughts on the film’s significance: “All I Want for Christmas represents a new direction for Travelxp. While we’ve always showcased destinations, this documentary embraces the power of human stories to create deeper connections and inspire audiences worldwide.”
Anastasia’s journey serves as a reminder of the small joys that help sustain hope, even in the most challenging circumstances. All I Want for Christmas premiered globally and is now available to watch on Travelxp’s digital platform. It is a heartwarming testament to courage, love, and the universal desire for a better tomorrow.
