REVIEW: It’s not always that a tiny nation on the edge of Eurasia makes global headlines. Ukraine has captured the world’s attention because it could soon become the hottest armed conflict polarising two global military powers- Russia and the US-backed security alliance NATO. Ukraine has a powerful destiny shaping the history of political movement and revolution to stand its individual identity, against Russian aggression. ‘Winter of Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom’ tells the story of one such historic moment of public revolt against a near autocratic government. Suffering of the people, and government-led violence make up this heart-wrenching story of resilience and unity where the good folk ultimately won. Three freezing months played out in a war zone-like feel in the country’s capital makes it a must-watch.
Filmmaker Evgeny Afineevsky has found an incredible amount of footage of the dramatic 3 months from late 2013 to early 2014 in Kiev’s Maidan Square. For 93 days’ people suffered bone-chilling winters, tear gas, iron batons, beatings, intimidation, rubber bullets and then real bullets from police and security services, but didn’t let up. This protest began with a simple Facebook post to come to Maidan Square, also known as Independence Square, to protest against Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych deciding to not join NATO, and turn Eastwards towards Russia instead. Historically, from a bloody violent past that precedes the formation of the Soviet Union, Ukraine has had thorny relations with Russia, that is rooted in fear of bombing, military action and cultural suppression. Joining NATO is integral for its economic development and future. But Yanukovych, a man supported by Russian president Vladimir Putin, went against public opinion. What began as just a few hundred folks waiting out in the cold of November 2013 swelled to thousands, and then hundreds of thousands within just a few days. People from urban centres across Ukraine gathered at Maidan, supporting this stand up against an autocratic insensitive president, uniting under a common goal- he must leave.
The documentary stands out for its assimilation of footage of real events, where the camera lens does all the talking. Protestors are beaten senseless, sometimes to death by a group of helmeted and armoured special corps, Berkut; they are fired upon, pelted with bricks, and tear gas shells are dropped regularly. As the winter of Ukraine’s discontent grows and piles up, protestors face increasing violence. Footage of this actually happening to unarmed civilians, who hold up handmade shields and cover their faces and eyes with face towels and scarves, is unnerving. It also reflects that such illogical violence could happen to anyone in any part of the world, and unless a documentarian or camera person bravely captures it, not many of us would take notice. Afineevsky manages to interview participants in this documentary at the same spots where Maidaan revolted; getting them to recreate their roles and memories. Often, they are moved to tears- of gratitude, courage and grief. This was a brutal effort to put down anyone that stood up in support of the protest. So even workers from the International Red Cross, or people ferrying food, medicines and warm clothes for protestors, or those driving people to protests, were not spared. Winter on Fire brings alive the oft-reported failure of democracy in former USSR states and their geopolitical neighbourhood, in terms of consequences on people that live here.
Another important achievement of this documentary is its ability to steadily show the growth of unity in diversity during this movement. Ukraine is an ethnically and religiously diverse nation with Christians, Muslims, Orthodox Christians, and Buddhists living together. It has different languages dominant in different parts of the country. Here, men of faith, from all religions, took blows and bullets, read the rosary and offered a monastery at grave risk of getting brutalised by the government, as hospital and sanctuary. Doctors and nurses, ex-army men, turned up to build makeshift barricades and medical centres. When the headquarters of the revolution, an organic movement by common people, was bombed and burnt down by Berkut, cries of those stuck inside and those rescuing the injured rattles the viewer. Many died for this revolution. Others that lived pay tribute to their courage and sacrifice till today.
Perhaps a weak point of ‘Winter on Fire’ is the lack of representation of the opposing point of view. Here, no one asks anyone from the government why they did what they did; and why they allied with Russia. Parliament seems hapless but it isn’t explained why; nor is the cold treatment given to opposition leaders dealt with. The documentary rides entirely on explaining the people’s mood and movement through footage of what happened on ground zero; leaving you overwhelmed about the power of people united.
It concludes on the note that Yanukovych has run away from his job; to find asylum in Russia. Parliament declares an election and hopes of working with NATO begin to rise again. The people won. But within months, Russia moved to the eastern border of Ukraine and annexed Crimea through pro-Russian forces. Ever since Ukraine has lived on the edge and faced sporadic military aggression. Now, the USA has not agreed to the nation joining NATO citing criteria, signalling that disturbing the Russian bear is not on cards. Ukraine’s fortunes, as it gets bombed and women and children die, hangs in balance. Perhaps another winter of discontent will finally give the nation its due place.
