How NOT to Flee a War
How NOT to Flee a War is a live documentary by Ukrainian journalist Maria Romanenko, co-presented with her partner Jez Myers, telling the extraordinary story of their escape from Kyiv as Russia launched its full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022.
Through personal testimony, photographs and memories from the road, Maria and Jez take audiences inside the chaos of the first days of war – the explosions, uncertainty, misinformation, exhaustion and impossible decisions faced by civilians trying to survive.
Told with honesty, dark humour and compassion, How NOT to Flee a War is more than a story of escape. It is a powerful reflection on displacement, loss, resilience and what it means to bear witness to history.
Their experience has been shared at, or is scheduled to be shared at, Senedd, Holyrood, Greenbelt Festival, National Holocaust Museum, and has seen them selling out events at Aviva Studios in Manchester, Chester Festival of Ideas, and Newcastle Central Library. This is one not to miss.
Biographies
Maria Romanenko is a Ukrainian journalist and co-founder of All For Ukraine. Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Hromadske International, she is the only Ukrainian recipient of the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award. Since relocating to the UK, she has focused on supporting displaced Ukrainians and delivering talks, including How NOT to Flee a War. She has conducted over 1,000 media interviews and regularly appears on national and international channels.
Jez Myers is CEO of All For Ukraine and a community champion. A recipient of Manchester City Council’s Pride of Manchester Award, he has a background in business consultancy and civic engagement. After fleeing Ukraine with Maria, he has advised government and local bodies on supporting displaced Ukrainians and supported multiple Ukrainian charities. He is also Chairperson of the Spirit of Manchester Awards, the largest voluntary sector awards in the north-west.
Date: Fri 7th August, 9.30am, Arts Centre
Details in Main Programme