St. James the Great is proud to be part of Here I Am, a powerful 45-minute independent film created and filmed in Ukraine during an active time of war.
The connection reflects a relationship with Ukraine that St. James the Great has nurtured since the war began through ongoing support, prayer, and personal engagement. The Rev. Canon Cindy Evans Voorhees, who serves as an executive producer of Here I Am, has traveled to Ukraine multiple times, building relationships and working to create bridges of faith, peace, and hope.
Her commitment was recognized at the 20th American-Ukrainian Fellowship Gathering in Washington, D.C., where she was honored as a “Spiritual Diplomat”—a recognition of faith, leadership, and a mission to build bridges of peace and hope.
Against this background, St. James the Great’s connection to Here I Am is especially meaningful.
A Story of Grief, Faith, Resilience, and Hope
Here I Am follows a mother whose life is changed forever after losing her only son in war. From the depths of grief, she discovers a new calling: serving wounded soldiers on the frontlines as a military chaplain.
What begins in heartbreak becomes a journey of compassion, healing, spiritual strength, and renewed hope.
Filmed in Ukraine during an active war, Here I Am carries a powerful authenticity. The film explores the human experience behind war—not only loss, but also the courage to continue, the strength found in serving others, and the role faith can play when life has been changed forever.
At its heart, the film asks a profound question: Can hope return after devastating loss?
International Recognition and Four ICFF Nominations
Here I Am has received official recognition across multiple international film festival circuits and earned four nominations at the International Christian Film & Music Festival (ICFF), one of the world’s leading Christian film and music festivals.
The nominations include recognition for director Kostiantyn Oktiabrskyi and lead cast members Lesya Ostrovska and Misha Dosenko.
The film has received international recognition on the festival circuit, earning awards and finalist honors at the Remember the Future World Film Festival in Cannes, where it was named a winner; the Portland Film Festival, where it received the Best Short Film award; and nominations at the New York Christian Family Film Festival; the International Christian Film Festival in Orlando, Florida; the Venezia Shorts Film Festival; the Athens International Film Festival; and the Dutch International Film Festival.
Beyond the festival circuit, Here I Am has been shared through special community and cultural screenings, including events with Ukraine House in Washington, D.C., that bring audiences together for film presentations and meaningful panel discussions.
Join Us November 12 at the Lido Theater
St. James the Great, in partnership with St. James Faith Lab, is proud to present a special screening of Here I Am on November 12, 2026 at the Lido Theater in Newport Beach.
The evening will feature the film, followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A—creating an opportunity to reflect more deeply on its themes of grief, faith, resilience, and hope.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Space is limited, and advance RSVP is encouraged. Ticket and donation information will be available through St. James the Great.
For more information, email office@stjamesnewport.org.
🎬 Watch the official Here I Am trailer on St. James the Great’s YouTube channel.
