The Polish premiere of the Ukrainian documentary “Strong as the Earth” took place in Kino Luna (Warsaw) – a cozy cinema famous for showing authors and festival films. It brought together supporters of Ukraine, polish civic activists, public figures, and politicians.
“Strong as the Earth” is a documentary project about the Ukrainian heroes of the home front, who, despite the war, create the life of the country. It includes stories of people from four regions: two that were partially occupied by the russian army, Kyiv and Chernihiv, and two rear areas in the western part of Ukraine, Lviv, and Rivne. The film shows the lives of internally displaced persons, people who relocated their businesses, had to rebuild their homes or city infrastructure, or simply continue to work regardless of the risks of war.
The event was held in an intimate format, in close contact with the audience. The reaction to the film was very emotional, ranging from tears to loud applause at the end.
The guests had the opportunity to talk to the film’s heroes, Ukrainian volunteers and civil society activists, Lesya Volya, and Anna Bogatiryova, film author and director – Lyudmila Melnyk, and ICUV member Vlada Dumenko before and after the screening.
During a discussion, the “Strong as the Earth” team told stories of how the russians destroyed Ukrainian cultural heritage and the identity of our nation. We spoke about young people, 15 years and older, who volunteer to rebuild their country and why we require more infrastructure grants to increase opportunities and a better future. Also, we emphasized the important need for specialized medical equipment, qualified specialists, training for our doctors, and the development of prosthetics and rehabilitation centers in Ukraine. Now and after the war, the issue of rehabilitation, will be our top priority.
In addition to personal stories and experiences of the war, we discussed strategic issues such as the genocide of Ukrainians that russians are committing every minute and the importance of providing Ukraine with F16 fighter jets to win this war.
“I would like to sincerely thank the entire Polish people for their support, for walking with us side by side in this war on a common path to our common victory. In particular, to our regular partners, Euromaidan Warsaw, Victoria Pogrebnyak, and Natalka Panchenko. In order for this victory day to come as soon as possible, Ukrainian soldiers need to achieve superiority in the sky, and for this, we need F-16 aircraft. Please support Euromaidan Warsaw’s petition to President Biden to provide F16s. The link to the petition can be found in the header of Euromaidan Warsaw’s social media profiles.”
— said Vlada Dumenko.
The event was organized by ICUV with ANTS Network, with the support of Euromaidan-Warszawa and Stand with Ukraine Foundation.
“Strong as the Earth” is a documentary project of the “ANTS” Network for the Protection of National Interests, which was created with the assistance of the “Renaissance” International Fund”.