Ukraine on Fire
Ukraine. Across its eastern border is Russia and to its west-Europe. For centuries, it has been at the center of a tug-of-war between powers seeking to control its rich lands and access to the Black Sea. 2014's Maidan Massacre triggered a bloody uprising that ousted president Viktor Yanukovych and painted Russia as the perpetrator by Western media. But was it? "Ukraine on Fire" by Igor Lopatonok provides a historical perspective for the deep divisions in the region which lead to the 2004 Orange Revolution, 2014 uprisings, and the violent overthrow of democratically elected Yanukovych.
Oh Brave New Home
A story about children and adults who migrated from eastern Ukraine because of the war and found themselves far from home in a hostel for displaced people. This is a film about the everyday life and pain of refugees, about the search for small details that give strength to live and about adults who are tired of war. It is a self-reflection of refugees who believe that they will soon return home, without a clear understanding of when this will be possible and what awaits them there.
Gray Zone
Footage of the everyday life of an ordinary Ukrainian family from the city of Svitlodarsk in the Donetsk region shows a life marred by the Russian occupation, where martial law has become the norm. The picture contrasts children's games, doing homework and having dinner in front of the TV with the panorama of the bombed-out buildings of a ghost town.
The Berlin Fugue
Alesia is a five year old girl growing up in an industrial city of Donetsk, Ukraine. She has to face the reality of her surroundings after growing up in love and hope in the warm family nest.
The Donetsk March
Chronicles a Ukrainian march in Donetsk, that happened in solidarity with Euromaidan in November 2013, despite threats from pro-Russian forces.
Ukrainian Activists in Donetsk
Chronicles April 2014 Ukrainian protests against Russian occupation intentions in Donetsk, Ukraine.
Making Steel Rails
Mechanistic portrait of the iron industry, with molten metal shaped into "pig-irons" before being reheated and pressed into steel rails.