Oscar-Winning Director Chloé Zhao Hosts Fundraiser to Support Animals Affected by War in Ukraine

Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao is raising funds to support animal rescue efforts in Kharkiv, offering a unique opportunity to join her for a virtual cup of tea. All proceeds from the event will go to Animal Rescue Kharkiv (ARK), a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and caring for animals affected by the war in Ukraine.

In a post shared on her social media on March 18, Zhao expressed her excitement about the collaboration with CharityBuzz, inviting supporters to participate in the virtual event.

“Your bid supports Animal Rescue Kharkiv, a nonprofit organization based in Kharkiv, Ukraine, that rescues and cares for animals affected by war,” she wrote.

According to Zhao, ARK, which was founded during the war, has been providing essential frontline care and protection for Ukraine’s at-risk animals for over 11 years. The organization emphasizes its commitment to treating both visible and unseen wounds of the animals it rescues, offering refuge until they are ready for a new life.

“In a region devastated by war, animals are too often the forgotten victims. We find them where others cannot, treat wounds both visible and unseen, and give them refuge until the day they are ready for a new life,” the organization shared, as reported by the director. “Behind it all is a herculean effort including more than 110 staff members working together in the face of relentless challenges, to ensure that compassion does not falter even in the darkest times.”

Zhao also expressed her gratitude for the support, saying, “I look forward to spending time with one of you and to thank you for your generosity!”

In a similar effort, American actor and director Sean Penn participated in the Ukrainian anthology film War Through the Eyes of Animals, accepting a symbolic fee of one dollar, according to the project’s producer, Oleh Kokhan, explained how the collaboration came together.

“When we first spoke, he requested the script, watched the footage, met with Myroslav Slaboshpytskyi, and then said his fee would be $1, as he cannot work entirely for free under SAG rules,” Kokhan explained.

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Life in Ukraine

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War Through the Eyes of Animals features seven short films by seven Ukrainian directors, each telling true stories of animal rescues during the war. Penn stars in the segment titled The Eagle.

On March 16, Sean Penn arrived in Kyiv, opting to skip the Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, where he won his third Oscar.

Upon his arrival in Kyiv, Penn met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who expressed gratitude for the actor’s unwavering support for Ukraine.

“Thanks to you, Sean, we understand what it truly means to be a friend of Ukraine,” Zelenskyy remarked.

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