To mark the Shevchenko Days in Ukraine, the War Museum hosted a screening and discussion of the film “Taras. Homecoming.” The event brought together cultural figures, active-duty servicemen, veterans of Ukraine’s War for Independence, as well as school and university students.
At the beginning of the event, the film’s screenwriter and director, Oleksandr Denysenko, addressed the audience via video message. The filmmaker spoke about the image of Taras Hryhorovych he aimed to convey to the audience. “It was important for me to show Shevchenko as a person fighting for his own dignity and defeating a horrific system. The poet stood in opposition to the russian army and triumphed. I hope that after watching, Shevchenko will become even closer and dearer to the viewer,” said Oleksandr Denysenko.
The film tells the story of the final months of Shevchenko’s exile in Kazakhstan. There, the poet endured oppression and abuse, was deprived of the opportunity to create, and remained under constant surveillance—yet he was never broken. This is how Taras Shevchenko is portrayed in the film.
Following the presentation, a discussion was held with the participants. Olesia Kryvopysha, organizer of the “Svoboda” International Shevchenko Reading Competition, spoke about the great difficulties the film faced on its journey to the audience. According to Ms. Olesia, in 2012, the pro-russian authorities did everything in their power to prevent Ukrainians from seeing this film. However, after the Revolution of Dignity, the film finally reached the public. “It became a struggle for our Ukrainian cinema,” emphasized Ms. Olesia. She also drew parallels with the present: just as several centuries ago, russia is once again committing crimes against our citizens. “In every Ukrainian prisoner, there is a continuation of Taras Shevchenko’s fate,” noted Olesia Kryvopysha.
Among the participants was a special guest—Maksymilian Andronnikov (call sign “Caesar”), Deputy Commander of the Freedom of russia Legion for Civil-Military Cooperation. He spoke about the challenges and risks for those currently opposing the authoritarian regime in russia and donated his unit’s shoulder sleeve insignia to the Museum’s collection.
The event was moderated by Museum staff member, veteran of the russo-Ukrainian War, and Hero of Ukraine Volodymyr Zhemchuhov. A heartening moment occurred when Mr. Volodymyr was presented with a Letter of Gratitude for his devotion, courage, and love for Ukraine from Lieutenant Colonel Oleh Tiahnybok. The award was presented by Oleh Helevei, a veteran of Ukraine’s War for Independence.
The War Museum sincerely thanks the creators of the film “Taras. Homecoming” for screening it within our institution, and extends its gratitude to the veterans, active-duty servicemen, and students for their participation.
