The Battle for Kyiv

I had the privilege of watching The Battle for Kyiv at the Portland Film Festival screening Oct 29, 2024, and it left a profound impact on me.

The documentary captures a crucial moment at the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, where the nation's fate rested on the courage of ordinary Ukrainians defending their country, their sovereignty, and their very existence.

Through Oz Katerji's powerful, firsthand reporting, the film offers an up-close look at the resilience and courage of those on the front lines, bringing this struggle to life with a depth and intimacy that resonates deeply. I am grateful for Oz's dedication in sharing this essential story with the world.

Incredibly moving documentary that is a must see for everyone to truly appreciate how barbaric the invasion of Ukraine was and continues to be. Oz has selected fantastic range of front line individuals to follow and tell the story of the struggles during the war. Look forward to see anymore that comes from Oz!

The time flew watching this. We owe a debt of gratitude to those who put themselves in such danger to get a message like this to the world. Right now, some politicians need a reminder of the shock of the sudden utter destruction of civilian existence, and this is a fitting tribute to the defenders of that existence.

I don't think I've ever seen a documentary that's as exhilarating and hardcore as this one. Katerji weaves a number of narratives together carefully, telling a complicated story that follows multiple plot lines, while engaging in some pretty extreme action.

I think it's unfortunate that some of the major festivals haven't given this film a fair shake, but was glad that it won best documentary at the Portland Film Festival. It definitely deserves recognition. I really thought this movie was incredible, and I hope people see it, because the message at the end of the day is one of hope and freedom.

Interesting to read down the existing reviews and observe two radically different points of view. On the one hand a couple of armchair experts evaluating the quality of the film making and a larger sample of others appreciating the storytelling from someone who was willing to put himself on the front line of a shockingly unjust and inhumane invasion to document its impact on the people under attack; to be the eyes and ears for those of us who are concerned but cannot see for ourselves. Obviously as only one person in a rapidly changing scenario there are only so many places those eyes and ears can be. The grotesque events in Borodiyanka, Bucha and Irpin are burned into the hearts of the people of Kyiv and every record of those days is an immensely important record of the crimes against humanity committed again their citizens; especially since Ukraine has made it a priority to quickly restore the living environment in those places for the quality of life of its citizens.

As one of the later type of reviewers , I appreciate the effort especially given that nobody at the time knew what circumstances the defenders would be facing from one day to the next. The film maker put himself alongside local people finding creative ways and taking serious risks to support their neighbours. Demonstrating the values that Ukraine is defending is another great communication as to why decent people the world over should be defending the Ukrainian people and supporting them every way we can against their despotic attackers. Encouraging the distribution of this film with positive reviews is a small but worthwhile way that the armchair critics are too self absorbed to be able to see. Shame on them and thanks for the makers.