One year on, on the 20th of February Ukrainians around the world gathered together to commemorate the anniversary of tragic events during the Ukrainian revolution. During winter 2013/14 over a hundred people were killed and even more went missing. To remind the chain of events, the outbreak started in November 2013 when ex-president Viktor Yanukovich refused to sign an association agreement with the EU. Thousands of people took to the streets with Independence Square in Kiev being the central point of the protests. The peaceful demonstrations soon became violent and some clashes were bloody between the riot police and protesters. The movement is widely known as Euromaidan, because Independence Square in Kiev is also called Maidan. However, Euromaidan soon turned into a revolution of dignity as Ukrainians demanded justice over the corrupt government and ousting of President Yanukovich.
The uprising escalated on the 20th February 2014, when over 100 people were shot dead in the main square of Kiev. As a result Yanukovych was ousted by the protesters on 22nd February 2014 and fled the country. The heroes who lost their lives fighting against the governmental regime are now honourably referred to as the Heavenly Hundred.
To remember the deaths of the Heavenly Hundred and the progression of the revolution a documentary film “Maїdan” has been shown across some of the iconic London cinemas. “Maїdan” portrays the development of events between December 2013 and February 2014 in the main square of Kiev. The film was made by Sergei Loznica, a filmmaker with a strong documentary background, and was selected for showcasing on Cannes Film Festival. Now you have a chance to catch “Maїdan” on London cinema`s screens.
The documentary is filmed with fixed cameras placed among the crowds on Maidan square. This is a minimalist style filming, with no narration, interviews or interpretation of events, the subtitles appear occasionally to inform the viewer about the key course developments. This approach allows the freedom for the spectator of forming his own opinion on events based on the eyewitness report rather than the media`s take on it. Whether you are Ukrainian or simply have interest in the outbreak that has led to the biggest geopolitical crisis in the modern history, do not miss this documentary in London which runs until March 5th. For more information on venues and times, please follow the below links.
Where to watch Maїdan
BFI, South Bank Centre - until 5th March 2015 (various dates and times):
ICA Cinema, The Mall, Charing Cross - until 3rd March 2015 (various dates and times):
https://www.ica.org.uk/whats-on/maidan
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