The Battle for Kyiv

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.

It was an engaging experience. For me, not a light piece to watch. It brought forward the horrible fate of Ukrainian people and their lives in the hands of the brutal Russian invaders. Simultaneously, their courage and determination gives hope for survival and a brighter future. Definitely food for thought!

This film was so informative with boots on the ground perspective which surpasses the abbreviated snapshot we usually see in the news. The extended access the journalist/film maker, Oz Katerji, had to political figures gives credence to this film. It was horrific following the Russian invasion and killing of civilians. The determined bravery and courage of the Ukrainian civilians is humbling. I can see why this film won best documentary at the Portland Film Festival. The film maker's live, extended discussion expanded insights to the complexity of the issues as well as enriching a global perspective.

I just saw this brilliant documentary at the Portland Film Festival. Journalist (and now filmmaker) Oz Katerji captured the moment peaceful Ukraine was turned into a war zone on February 22, 2022. Sensing a Russian invasion was immanent, Katerji was reporting from Kyiv as Russian tanks rolled across the border. He chronicled the brutality of the invasion in real time, including the slaughter of civilians in Bucha, outside Kyiv. But more to the heart of the story is how Katerji caught the mobilization of everyday Ukrainians into an instant fighting force to defend their country.

There's lots to love about this film, but one scene sums up the humanity of the documentary. Katerji asks a purple haired lesbian, who has joined the military to protect her girlfriend, what she thinks about people who think Ukrainian fighters are all Nazis. In broken English, she looks at that camera and says, "I just say, fuck Russia." This film needs to be seen and Ukraine needs to be defended.

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!