Unyielding Land in Kyiv: A Story of Strength, Resilience, and Unity

October 25, 2024.

    Last Tuesday, in the heart of Kyiv, at the atmospheric Kino42 cinema in Podil, the premiere of the film Unyielding Land: A Confession of Everyday Heroism took place, along with other films created by Ukrainian documentarians. This event was part of a series of film screenings produced by graduates of the “Documentary Lab” project by the Media Development Foundation, filling the theater with people who came not only to watch but also to feel the stories of ordinary yet extraordinary Ukrainians.
    
    The program began with introductory speeches by organizers and donors, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, who emphasized the importance of documentary cinema as a tool to preserve the history of the people during the most challenging times for the country. The screenings then led viewers into a series of films that each touched on various aspects of the war and life on the edge of survival. At 7:00 p.m., viewers watched our film, which I directed at the Rule of Law TV Studio, Unyielding Land: A Confession of Everyday Heroism. It seemed the audience, mostly professionals, appreciated our story that intertwined resistance, humanity, and hope.
    
    At the heart of the film were real people, and each voice and gaze conveyed not only their hardships but also their indomitable spirit. The stories we captured touched everyone, recounting Ivanivka's desperate defense, the rescue of museum artifacts, and the narratives of life under shelling. Unyielding Land gathered and retold these stories through the lens of Ivankiv residents’ lives under Russian occupation, focusing on one man’s experience – that of Ihor Nikolenko. Ihor’s story, along with his family’s, was filmed not only to ensure their struggles were heard but to help every viewer feel the pain and pride in Ukrainians fighting against the horde’s invasion to this day.
    
    After the screening, the audience had a chance to stay for a discussion, where, in a warm and friendly atmosphere, people shared their impressions and memories. This part of the evening was filled with conversations about Ukrainian history, its heroes, and its future. Many approached us with questions, words of support, and gratitude for preserving the stories of our heroes from Ivanivka for eternity.
    
    Unyielding Land is more than just a film. It is a testament to the people’s daily heroism, which lifts, strengthens, and inspires. We are grateful to everyone who came to share this significant moment with us.
    
    Our fellow documentarians from other regions of Ukraine also presented their films:
    
    Under the Shadow of the Atom (Maidan Monitoring, Kharkiv)
    Water Will Come Tomorrow (Mykvisti, Mykolaiv)
    Stronger Than Death (East Point, Mariupol)
    Lessons of Happiness (Content, Poltava)
    Author: Oleh Spornikov. Photo: Mykhailo Horodetskyi