In Washington, D.C., a screening of the documentary film People of Steel by director Serhiy Fomenko took place as part of the international tour "Culture vs. War" across U.S. cities. The event gathered diplomats, veterans, representatives of the Ukrainian community, and American friends of Ukraine to honor the defenders of Mariupol.
This was reported by Watch Ukrainian.
The film tells the heroic story of the defenders of Mariupol — both military and civilians — who held the line during the brutal siege in the first weeks of russia’s full-scale invasion. The documentary also raises one of the most painful issues — the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war. Its main message is to show the unbreakable spirit of Ukrainians who, despite inhumane conditions, continue their struggle for freedom, dignity, and life.
“This film is a powerful reminder of why Ukrainians keep fighting and what they are fighting for. It is also undeniable evidence of russia’s war crimes against civilians and military personnel,” emphasized Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova.
After the screening, a discussion was held with director Serhiy Fomenko, moderated by Michael Sawkiw, President of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA). The event was also attended by representatives of Razom for Ukraine, U.S. Armed Forces veterans, and members of the public.
The Washington event was the next stop on the national tour, which has already taken place in New York, Philadelphia, and Minneapolis, and continues today, April 12, in Chicago.
The tour was made possible with the support of several organizations, including the Watch Ukrainian! Association, the MHP-Hromadi Foundation, Baker Tilly in Ukraine, as well as the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
Author: Danylo Pievchev