It’s an all too familiar story – a peaceful protest fueled by a deep desire for change becomes a violent battle for basic human rights. In the past few years, we’ve witnessed the rise of revolutions in Egypt, in Spain, and in the US, but on the opening night of the Fall season of Stranger Than Fiction, we had a front row seat to an uprising in The Ukraine, and a country’s struggle for independence, freedom, and a better future.
WINTER ON FIRE: UKRAINE’S FIGHT FOR FREEDOM follows 93 days of protests that began in Kiev’s Maidan Square, following then-president Viktor Yanukovych’s refusal to sign an agreement that would allow his country to enter the European Union. The people of Ukraine saw inclusion in the EU as a move that would help stabilize the long-flailing country, and usher in a new era of hope, independence, and eventual prosperity. But Yanukovych instead signed a major deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and in the eyes of millions of Ukrainians, betrayed his country and his people.
Director Evgeny Afineevsky brings viewers to the front lines of this turbulent time in Ukraine’s history, and shows how a peaceful youth movement morphed into a bloody struggle. With a crew of over 20 cinematographers using a combination of cameras, Afineevsky and his team capture the major battles and hidden moments that fueled a revolution.
“For the people of Ukraine, this was an important moment in their history, and a chance for them to show that the people still have the power,” Afineevsky said during the Q&A following Tuesday’s screening at the IFC Center. “It started as a joyful youth movement. No one expected thing to unfold the way they did.”
In the early days of protest at Maidan Square, a cross section of Ukrainian citizens gathered to peacefully voice their opposition to Yanukovych’s rule. That sense of unity was tested by the severity of the situation many people found themselves in, as they defended themselves and their friends, families, and fellow citizens against nightsticks, sniper fire, and tear gas. Among the chaos, protesters organized into tightly woven yet collaborative factions, each dedicated to a task, or committed to a cause, providing first aid, food, and technology to the people of the growing village of dissidents. AutoMaidan was the movement’s official calvary, composed of cars that circled the square and formed a protective barrier against Yanukovych’s private police, the military, and mercenaries hired to inflict as much damage as possible.
There are scenes in Winter on Fire that feel like straight war correspondence, while interviews with people who were directly involved in the three-month protest provide a human take on what became a national tragedy. In 93 days, 125 people were killed and hundreds were injured. Afineevsky said that some members of his shooting team were injured in the multiple battles and violent outbursts that made up the revolution. They were grateful for the opportunity to show the world what had happen, and what the people of Ukraine were fighting for.
“I tried to find characters whose stories were relatable, and to get a feel for why people were there, willing to be under fire,” he said. “People wanted to share their stories, and we became an outlet for them.”
Writing by Krystal Grow, a photo editor and freelance journalist who has written for American Photography, WIRED, LIFE.com, TIME LightBox, and the New York Times Lens blog. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @kgreyscale.
Videography by Joseph Schroeder, who has managed the production of highly acclaimed educational and informational programming for networks such as PBS, A&E and National Geographic for over a decade. Currently the production supervisor of The Independent Production Fund. Follow him on Twitter and see more of his work on his website.
Photography by Jasmin Chang, creative producer of Nice Think. Follow her on Instagram @mewithoutthee.
Related Film
