We will not fade away — growing up in war

Andrej, Lisa, Lera, Ruslan and Illia live in a small town in the coal mining region of eastern Ukraine. Like many young people they battle boredom and frustration, searching for their own identity and the meaning of life. But their home region, the Donbass, has been scarred by years of war with Russia. Economic decline and sporadic fighting are part of everyday life here. The teenagers stay positive by pursuing hobbies like drawing, photography and making music. But it’s their deep friendship that gives them the strength they need to overcome a sense of hopelessness and chaos. Fueled by the spirit of adventure, they explore abandoned coal mines, venture through minefields and into ruined houses. One day, they receive an unexpected offer: a famous Ukrainian mountaineer proposes taking them on a trip to Nepal, to hike through the foothills of the Himalayas. While the situation in their homeland continues to worsen, their dream is within reach. The Russian army is about to invade Ukraine. In the face of this imminent threat, will these young people get to go on their adventure of a lifetime?