Sean Penn Starred in Animals in War, an Anthology Inspired by True Stories From Ukraine
Animals in War, which was first released last year, premiered on Video-on-Demand (VOD) on June 26 across leading digital platforms. The anthology features Academy Award winner Sean Penn alongside Ukrainian and international artists in seven stories inspired by real events that unfolded during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Created by Ukrainian filmmakers, the project looked at the war through the experiences of animals living alongside civilians. Each segment stood on its own while contributing to a broader portrait of life under conflict. A rabbit, a wolf, a cow, and other animals became part of deeply personal stories shaped by displacement, fear, and survival.
The filmmakers blended realistic scenes with symbolic imagery to show how the invasion affected everyday life. The stories followed children, families, and people living under occupation, revealing the difficult choices they faced while holding on to the bonds they formed with the animals around them.
Penn appeared as part of an international collaboration that supported a project conceived and produced in Ukraine. The anthology was created to draw attention to the humanitarian and environmental consequences of the war through perspectives that are rarely seen on screen.
Although each chapter featured different characters and settings, the film maintained a consistent focus on compassion in the middle of crisis. Animals in War presented an intimate view of conflict, reminding viewers that its consequences reached far beyond the battlefield and extended to every living creature caught in its path.
Stream Animals in War, the Ukrainian anthology film featuring Oscar winner Sean Penn, on Apple TV, Prime Video, Google Play, or Film Movement Plus. It is also available to rent or buy on digital VOD platforms like the Apple TV Store and Amazon Video and Letterbox.