
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Dan Fine met Khrystyna, a brave animal rescue volunteer. Together they formed a partnership to help homeless pets and head off the deadly spread of rabies
Audience Favorite
Seattle Filmmaker Feature Film Award
2024 Edition
9.5
Interesting film
38 reviews
Dan Fine
May 25, 2024
WOW!
Tana Axtelle
May 26, 2024
I hope this movie is viewed by many and sparks action to help the horrible plight of the animals that this tragic war has created.
Steve Lawson
May 26, 2024
So much humanity in this movie. War is hard enough for people. But these pets deserve so much more. Kudos to those who are helping them survive and those like Dan who have documented this heroic effort. I hope the film is seen and the dogs and cats can be neutered, chipped and adopted to stop the spread of rabies. Animals know no borders.
Carla Vysohlid
May 26, 2024
“War Tails” is a deeply moving documentary that chronicles the remarkable actions of a West Vancouver man who took decisive steps during the Ukraine crisis in April 2022. This film is not just about animals; it is about humanity, resilience, and the extraordinary lengths Dan, Krystina and their team will go to alleviate suffering. The documentary begins with a stark portrayal of the war-torn landscape of Ukraine. As the conflict escalates, we witness the heart-wrenching displacement of 6.5 millions Ukrainians. Amidst this chaos, a secondary tragedy unfolds: countless family pets, once cherished and cared for, are abandoned and left to fend for themselves on the streets. The film poignantly captures these animals' struggle for survival, highlighting the severe winter conditions and the scarcity of food and shelter, and the increasing danger of rabies due to the rising number of stray dogs. This health risk adds another layer of urgency to the team's mission, emphasizing the broader pub
wendi cook
May 26, 2024
As a dog lover, rescuer and caregiver, my heart was breaking as I watched this. We can not forget the Ukrainian people nor the animals left behind. Everyone should see this movie. You will be forever changed and hopefully moved to get out of your comfort zone and DO MORE.
New User
May 27, 2024
Fabulous film. May it inspire everyone to donate to this urgent cause. Here’s to the animals and people of Ukraine.
elizabeth kane
May 27, 2024
The film was simply and beautifully done. Poignant and inspiring. Thank you to Dan the gentle maverick and the resolute Khrystina (sp)? You showed me how human kindness is overflowing in a way that I did not know it was so desperately needed.
aly appelhans
May 27, 2024
We loved it - well done!!
Jered Cady
May 27, 2024
This is the most tender yet gut-wrenching documentary I've ever watched. Filmed with such compassion for these animals. Every person needs to watch this and allow their heart to be broken. Please make time to watch it.
Megan Burns
May 28, 2024
A very moving movie that gave me an inside look to not only what's going on in the Ukrainian war, but how the animals are affected as well. Thank you to all the brave people putting in the time to save these animals!
Nicole Welch
May 28, 2024
I loved it. It was remarkable, and touching, and not only showed the humanitarian effort but it gave me faith in humanity and a real view of what's going on in Ukraine right now.
Heather Marks
May 28, 2024
War tales “War Tales” is a MUST-SEE! This film draws you in—brilliantly showing the war in Ukraine through the eyes of mostly dogs, cats and the ordinary people—volunteers—doing extraordinary humanitarian work in a war zone. Volunteer and film producer Dan Fine shows the mission is not only to alleviate suffering “orphaned” pets’ experience, but to prevent a larger catastrophic public health problem—a rabies epidemic. It will happen if these animals are not spayed, neutered & inoculated against rabies. And it could spread across Europe. We see main character Khrystyna, a young Ukrainian woman focused, determined and compassionate, crawling into culverts and driving through bombed out communities to retrieve scared & injured animals. I believe much, if not all, of the film was shot by those volunteering. It takes the audience with them as they go on the missions. The film leaves viewers with a positive feeling of hope, that individuals can create good from evil.
ginny foos
May 30, 2024
tremendous story and inspiration

Apple Lee
May 30, 2024
A heart warming film and need to watch it.
Ronald Zanetti
May 31, 2024
Incredible testament about conditions in the Ukraine and heroic efforts to make a positive impact and save lives by such a small and wonderful group of people. The video is really well done in cinematography, sound and editing and worthy of a global audience. This touched my heart and it will touch others immensely. It shows us that animals are impacted horribly in this war not only physically, but emotionally. Seeing the love they are given by these caregivers is breathtaking.
Irene Billa
May 31, 2024
Touching and important to show the cruelties of War affect animals as well as humans. We need to support those who see the issues and try to solve them.
Gandalf Rowland
May 31, 2024
The most beautiful movie i have ever seen. we animals, we are animals, must take care of our animal families. i rate this a 1000
THOMAS FINE
Jun 1, 2024
What an amazing story. Who has the ability to step in Dan's shoe's to take care of the animals and people of Ukraine.
Kizzie Jones
Jun 1, 2024
War is fought on many fronts. War Tails shares the story about how Dan Fine and his dedicated team have focused on fighting to prevent a catastrophic outbreak of rabies and animal overpopulation in eastern Europe after a million pets had to be left behind as Ukrainians evacuated from Putin’s military aggression into Ukraine. Dan raised funds and organized teams to vaccinate, spay/neuter, and microchip over 8,000 animals. Tragically, as of June 2024 the bombing, death, and destruction continues in Ukraine. The need to carry on the prevention of rabies and overpopulation remains urgent. May this poignant documentary inform the public of the great need and encourage financial support to continue these vital efforts.
Sue Stipe
Jun 3, 2024
Very well done!

Pam Miller
Jun 3, 2024
Incredible story about the untold story of over a million domestic animals left behind as a result of Putin's war against Ukraine. There is a large outbreak of rabies resulting from a lack of vaccinations, which will continue to grow and spread across Eastern Europe. The EU must act to stop the overpopulation and to get rabies under control. Ukraine vets have the skill to make this happen, but they need resources and help. Finally, Dan and Krystina are incredible.
Laurie Gootee
Jun 3, 2024
So powerful and moving.
Rachel Axtelle
Jun 4, 2024
Thank you for this important work!
Manrico Scremin
Jun 4, 2024
What an amazing documentary! It gave a real sense of how people with standard lives and careers in society will step up to do extraordinary things in difficult and dangerous situations. Big kudos to all the people involved in rescuing the animals in Ukraine and to the people who created this film to document their work. A very memorable and important documentary!
Brenda White
Jun 11, 2024
What an incredibly moving film. Fabulous!
Michele Abrams
Jun 11, 2024
Thunderous applause to all the HEREO's involved in this important mission and this heartfelt documentary. The story is heartbreaking and triumphant all at the same time. The world needs to see this film, and the importance difference being made for the animals and humans in Ukraine suffering from the war. I highly recommend this film to anyone who has a heart. An award winning documentary for sure!
Rich Choi
Jun 11, 2024
One of the most heartbreaking documentaries not just for the animals, but for the people of Ukraine. War is never good, but heroes emerge. Kudos to the whole team who is making a difference in such a heartbreaking time. We pray for peace to come quickly to the people of Ukraine! Dan I wish you all the best of luck...all we have is time and your attitude about life breathes life into others. Praying for everyone in this film!
Paulette Smith
Jun 11, 2024
If ever a documentary deserved the Seattle Film Festival's highest award, it is this one. To give it a greater voice for the voiceless, the too often forgotten, the animals of Ukraine caught up in the war. The need to prevent the spread of rabies, the need to prevent the suffering of animals abandoned, the need to spay and neuter to reduce the potential future population, the need to support the people of Ukraine, too, as they try and cope with this enormous issue. Please, award this film. And may I add, it shows everyone, particularly,youth, what one man with an idea can do to connect with others to make a difference. When we come together, we can change the world for the better. This man dreamed the Impossible Dream, and walked into Hell for a Heavenly cause. On so many levels, this is a monumental film. I am hoping it receives the greater recognition it deserves. Respectfully, Paulette W Smith, Lynnwood, WA 98036
Anne G
Jun 12, 2024
Well written, well produced. Heart felt but not maudlin. Well done.
Jeff Black
Jun 12, 2024
Extremely moving and inspirational. Thanks to all the volunteers and their leader Dan Fine, our hometown hero. Go Cougs!
Sarah Boyd
Jun 12, 2024
All the good and all the bad are portrayed in this movie with effective photography, genuine people all in the frontline to save animals and to save people from rabies. It is a riveting documentary taking the viewers right into the action. Amazingly and bravely created.
Dale Gluck
Jun 12, 2024
So compelling. This was everything I expected, and much more. International health peril to humans, versus warm, fuzzy house pets?
Joan Watkins
Jun 12, 2024
Thank you for providing heart-felt truth and compassion producing War Tails. The Ukrainian citizens who remained in the bombed-out areas are heros and heroines who deserve more than a thank you but medals of bravery. The Russians are spreading chaos, destruction throughout Europe with rabies from stray dogs and cats. I hope War Tails is available to veterinary clinics throughtout the continent.
Fran Brinkley
Jun 12, 2024
What a wonderful film! Heart-breaking but hopeful at the same time. I pray that the world takes notice, particularly the European Union, which is in a position to help and should step up to do so. This documentary gives us just a small view of the unnecessary suffering caused by war. Kudos to Dan and Krystina (sp) and all the brave vets, staff and volunteers who helped and continue to help in this effort. And Dan, stick around-there's still work to do!
Jess Mooney
Jun 12, 2024
Hard to watch at times, but extremely moving. I imagine that it's not an easy thing to care for the under-valued victims of war or to tell their story in such a meaningful way. This movie does what I like to think documentaries should do--they bring issues to light and humanity to the unseen. Thank you for a beautiful film.
Erika Colson
Jun 12, 2024
This is a story of courage, compassion, and hope. Thank you to everyone involved.
Youngha Kim
Jun 12, 2024
Way to go Dan and UWARF!!!
Cathy Madson
Jun 12, 2024
Seeing the state of animal welfare and the horrors of war that affect both people and animals is heart-wrenching. This film is so well made and highlights the bravery of the Ukrainian people, their commitment to helping the animals out of compassion, and their desire to maintain public health. Amazing to see how a small group of people can make such a difference. A MUST WATCH and a MUST SHARE to spread the word so more people can help the mission.
Anne Winskie
Jun 12, 2024
We've been following Dan since he started this project with a Go Fund Me. This film strikes a perfect balance between showcasing the wonderful work that Dan, Khrystyna, and many others have been doing under unimaginably perilous circumstances and the triumphs of all the animals they have savd. It tugs at the heartstrings without becoming overly weepy. We are so glad this unique documentary has been included in the Festival. Anne & John Winskie
Lynnette Callahan
Jun 13, 2024
Powerful, hopeful, informative and touching. A must see documentary!
Susan Maas
Jun 13, 2024
What both hopeful and sobering insights from this movie! It shows both the courageous caring of people risking much to help animals during wartime as well as an unflinching look at the impacts of war on animals and people. A poignant reminder that our fates are inextricably connected and that it is entirely up to us humans to help mitigate the suffering. Well done.
Robert Rebar
Jun 13, 2024
What an incredible film. What loving people to care for these animals, to care for the future of Ukraine. So horrible the destruction by Russia. You really see their desire to annihilate Ukraine. Thank you all for your dedication to caring for these animals and the future of Ukraine. Please be safe.
Claire Sandberg
Jun 13, 2024
An absolutely riveting film! So much beauty and compassion to be found in the devastation. Dan and Krystina and the others doing this important work, are profoundly inspiring. This film is a call to action to do right by the non human beings of this world. Please watch if you haven’t already.