Propaganda is Russia’s most insidious weapon. The Donbas region in Eastern Ukraine proves how one well-placed false narrative can destroy history, permanently. Separatist and Russified ideologies behind “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” rest on a Soviet-washed version of industrialization. But as this intrepidly researched investigation reveals, European and even US entrepreneurs staked their claims to the Donbas coal industry long before Lenin and Stalin nationalized it. Experts, local historians and even adventure tour leaders point to the Belgian, French and German roots of cities like Mariupol, Lysychansk and Druzhkivka. The small village of New York is a literal frontline between past and present, where battles over names still rage. Expansive, detailed and fascinating, this exposé not only restores factual history but also, sadly, stands as its only remaining proof—most of the film’s locations have now been destroyed by Russian missiles. Myrocia Watamaniuk
Streaming online May 5-9. Streaming is only available in Canada.
This documentary includes challenging and/or triggering subject matter. Our Active Listeners are available if you’d like to speak with someone after viewing the film. All conversations with Active Listeners are confidential.