Public Screenings

The documentary “The Living” was shown at Harvard University the day after the Columbia screening, on December, 3 ^rd 2008. Around 80 people came to see the film, including many Russian speakers. The film was presented by Professor Michael S. Flier, Director, Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute and Oleksandr Potebnja, Professor of Ukrainian Philology. The filmmakers of were present as well: director Sergiy Bukovsky and producer Victoria Bondar. The film prompted very positive reactions from the audience, with Americans and foreign viewers responding simultaneously to both the humor  and sorrow expressed by witnesses.

The Question&Answer session lasted for 1 hour.

Additional screenings of “The Living” in other American and Canadian Universities are currently being planned.

Feedback:

Serhii Plokhii, the Hrushevsky Professor of Ukrainian History, Harvard University:

“The Living” is the best documentary film on the history of Ukraine I have ever seen. The filmmakers have achieved what no one before them was fully able to do-–to combine true historical facts and a genuinely emotional experience, and to present Ukrainian history in the context of world history. The result is not only a monument to those who perished [in the Holodomor] and a tribute to the survivors, but also a fervent, dignified missive to their descendants.

  Michelle Goldhaber, graduate student, Harvard University:

I loved the film and did not want it to end.  I wanted to hear more from the survivors, their stories, their lives.  The film evoked a wide range of emotions - from sadness and anger to hope and humor.  Bukovsky artfully wove together strands of history with personal narrative and experience.  I especially appreciated his use of song - plaintive and haunting. I'm so glad these interviews were taken and only hope there will be funding to record the others who are willing to share.