Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom
2015
•
1h 38min
• Documentary, History, War
In WINTER ON FIRE: UKRAINE'S FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, footage shot during the actual protests and demonstrations by Ukraine citizens from November 2013 until February 2014 provides a harrowing look at the country's fight for freedom and human dignity. Only a bit of narration sets the stage: Viktor Yanukovich was elected president of the Ukraine on a platform of a democratic government and joining the European Union; soon afterward, he betrayed his promise by refusing to join the EU and aligning himself with Vladimir Putin and Russia. Ongoing interviews with demonstrators and activists, director Evgeny Afineevsky, and his bold crew manage to document the intense 92-day struggle. The continually growing crowd of citizens of all ages and religions, from every part of Ukraine, gather at Madian, the central square in the capital city of Kiev, to protest the president's actions and demand his resignation. Three levels of law enforcement attempt to stop the demonstrations: local police; Berkut, the state militia; and, finally, Titushky, a formidable army of mercenaries. They show no mercy. The Ukrainian people do not give up. By the end of the battle, 125 people have been killed, 65 are missing, and nearly 2,000 have been injured. Much of the terror and destruction is captured in this film.
