Maidan

Dir: Sergei Loznitsa

2014

*****

There are many types of documentary and these days we are spoiled for choice in terms of style and content. Sergei Loznitsa’s Maiden is that rare sort of film that passes no comment and simply captures events as they happen. Focusing on the Euromaidan movement of 2013 and 2014 in Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) in Ukraine's capital Kiev, Maiden is a document of history. It was filmed during the protests and depicts different aspects of the revolution, from the peaceful rallies to bloody clashes between police and civilians. It’s a slow but effective film and I can understand why it is somewhat of a challenge for most viewers but I think it is important to appreciate what it is that Loznitsa has achieved. This is a film without comment or editing, it is purely a recording. History happens in real time and as much as possible, even the details, needs to be shown otherwise it is a pointless exercise. It means that the film is long but it also ensures that it is pure and authentic. It’s a film where the viewer is allowed to make its own judgement and it’s a pretty bold move. You could describe the film as minimal but then the scope is vast. The title Euromaiden was coined through a twitter hashtag that was attached to a wave of demonstrations and civil unrest in Ukraine, which began on the night of 21 November 2013 with public protests in Maidan Nezalezhnosti ("Independence Square") in Kiev. The protests were sparked by the Ukrainian government's decision to suspend the signing of an association agreement with the European Union, instead choosing closer ties to Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union. The scope of the protests soon widened, with calls for the resignation of President Viktor Yanukovych and his government. The protests were fueled by the perception of widespread government corruption, abuse of power and violation of human rights in Ukraine. Transparency International named President Yanukovych as the top example of corruption in the world. The situation escalated after the violent dispersal of protesters on 30 November, leading to many more protesters joining. The protests led to the 2014 Ukrainian revolution. During the Euromaidan, there were protests and clashes with police throughout Ukraine, especially at the Maidan central square in Kiev, which was occupied and barricaded by protesters, along with some administrative buildings, including Kiev City State Administration. On 8 December the crowd toppled a Lenin statue nearby. Protests and clashes increased in January, after the Ukrainian parliament passed a group of anti-protest laws. Protesters occupied government buildings in many regions of Ukraine but Loznitsa pointed the camera on Maidan central square only. The protests climaxed in mid-February. Riot police advanced towards Maidan and clashed with protesters but did not fully occupy it. Police and activists fired live and rubber ammunition at multiple locations in Kiev. There was fierce fighting in Kiev on 18–20 February and as a result of these events, the Agreement on settlement of political crisis in Ukraine was signed on 21 February 2014 by the President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych and the leaders of the parliamentary opposition under the mediation of the European Union and the Russian Federation. The signing was witnessed by the Foreign Ministers of Germany and Poland and the Director of the Continental Europe Department of the French Foreign Ministry, Eric Fournier. Vladimir Lukin, representing Russia, refused to sign the agreement. Shortly after the agreement was signed, Yanukovych and other high government officials fled the country. Protesters gained control of the presidential administration and Yanukovych's private estate. Afterwards, the parliament removed Yanukovych from office, replaced the government with Oleksandr Turchynov and ordered that former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko be released from prison. Events in Kiev were soon followed by the Crimean crisis and pro-Russian unrest in Eastern Ukraine. Despite the ousting of Yanukovych, the installation of a new government, and the adoption of the Ukraine - European Union Association Agreement's political provisions, the protests have sustained pressure on the government to reject Russian influence in Ukraine. It is clear that the film is of great importance but as this chapter of history is not yet over, we don’t fully understand yet just how important it is (making it very important already). As well as the crowds, mood and conversations, Loznitsa’s film also captured the controversy and the deaths. The first of major casualties occurred on the Day of Unity of Ukraine, 22 January 2014. Four people were permanently blinded and one man died by falling from a colonnade. The circumstances of his death are unclear. At least five more people were confirmed dead during the clashes on 22 January with four people killed from gunshot wounds. There are photos of Berkut (special police unit officers) utilising shotguns such as the RPC Fort, and reporters verified the presence of shotgun casings littering the ground. Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office confirmed pursuing several lines of inquiry into these murders, including that they may have been committed by Berkut officers. On 31 January it was discovered that 26 unidentified, unclaimed bodies remained in the Kiev central morgue; 14 of which were from January alone. Journalists revealed that a mass burial was planned on 4 February 2014. On 18 and 19 February, at least 26 people were killed in clashes with police and Journalist Vyacheslav Veremiy was murdered by pro-government Titushky and shot in the chest when they attacked his taxi. It was announced that an additional 40–50 people died in the fire that engulfed the Trade Union building after police attempted to seize it the night before. On 20 February, gunfire killed 60 people, according to an opposition medical service. In total, more than 100 people were killed and 2,500 injured in clashes with security forces. The death toll included at least 13 police officers, according to Ukrainian authorities. Loznitsa captures the attacks on journalists as well as some of the crowds and the funeral processions that follow. The acts of unlawful violence from the Berkut is clear as day, another reason why this film is necessary and so vital. It’s a hard sell to many and I doubt there is much money in it but if only there was a Sergei Loznitsa in every country then maybe so many of our political mistakes would not be repeated. It’s such a privilege to have history in the making recorded in this manner that should never be taken for granted.