When tens of thousands of Ukranians assembled in Kiev’s Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) from November 2013 to February 2014 and eventually ousted their corrupt president Victor Yanukovych, it was an inspiring example of what people can do when they come together. Despite brutal repression by the security forces (around 100 were killed and more than 1,100 wounded), protestors held strong and claimed victory.
Ukrainian director’s Sergei Loznitsa’s remarkable documentary Maidan recounts the story of this popular uprising from the smallest, seemingly insignificant moments, such as handing out food, organising medical care, etc. right up to the high drama of pitched battles against the police. He shoots in a restrained, observational style with static shots, but the unfolding events play out with the intensity of a big-budget action movie.
“What I find amazing is that human societies still require such events, such tragic sacrifices, in order to shape up as societies,” Loznitsa told Film Comment. “The story of Maidan obviously is not at all unique, because every society has in its history moments like that, moments of sacrifice.”
Maidan is a moving tale of how people can come together with a common goal, unite against injustice and bring out the best in one another. But the unseen character who casts a shadow over proceedings is Vladimir Putin. Watching the film knowing what comes next for Ukraine – the invasion of Crimea and an ongoing civil conflict fuelled by Russia – makes the heroism and sacrifice of the protestors all the more tragic. It’s a powerful reminder that the bravery and unity of a small nation is often not enough to overcome more powerful external forces.
Maidan is out in the UK February 20. Read the Little White Lies review.
Latest on Huck
The legendary trans artist & illustrator behind Drag magazine
A new book brings together pioneer Vicky West’s luminous illustrations of fantasy, femininity and fashion.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Why did police taser a Bristol grandfather in the face?
Trailblazing documentary I Am Judah chronicles community champion Ras Judah Adunbi’s horrific treatment at the hands of the police and his fight for justice.
Written by: Maisy Hunter
In photos: Ghana’s complex e-waste industry
A new exhibition explores the country’s huge, unregulated industry, which can be hazardous to workers’ health and the local enviroment, yet provides economic opportunity to many.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Meet Corbin Shaw, Huck 81’s Artist in Residence
The Sheffield born artist talks about the people and places that shaped his practice for the latest issue of Huck.
Written by: Josh Jones
The Blessed Madonna: “Dance music flourishes in times of difficulty”
The DJ talks about her debut album ‘Godspeed’, connection and resistance on the dance floor, the US election and more alongside exclusive pictures from her album release party.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Revisiting the birth of skate culture in 1970s Los Angeles
New photobook ‘Last Days of Summer: California Skateboarding Archive 1975–1978’ looks back at an iconic chapter of youth culture.
Written by: Miss Rosen