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Pride of Ukraine

The documentary reveals the history of the LGBT Pride movement in Ukraine. The film tells the story of KyivPride, the first attempt of the Ukrainian LGBT community to rise up and make their voice be heard by the government. The documentary also includes interviews with activists and allies from Ukraine, Canada and Germany, as well as footage from KyivPride events in 2012, the successful march in 2013, and to the cancellation of the 2014 march.

  • Michelle Emson
    Director
    Transgender Life in Slovenia
  • Olena Semenova
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Documentary, LGBT
  • Runtime:
    50 minutes 23 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 24, 2015
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada, Germany, Ukraine
  • Language:
    English, Ukrainian
  • Shooting Format:
    HDV
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Premiere (World/Ukraine)
    Embassy of Canada, Ukraine
    March 27, 2015
    World/Ukrainian Premiere
  • Premiere (Germany)
    Munich
    March 29, 2015
    German Premiere
  • Premiere (Canada)
    Carlton Cinema, Toronto, ON
    May 6, 2015
    Canadian Premiere
  • KyivPride 2015
    Kyiv, Ukraine
    June 5, 2015
  • Brantford Pride
    Brantford, ON, Canada
    June 16, 2015
  • Muskoka Pride
    Club 1, Bracebridge, ON, Canada
    July 21, 2015
  • Fierté Montreal Pride
    Montreal, QC, Canada
    August 14, 2015
Distribution Information
  • Sanctuary Studios Inc
    Country: Canada
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Michelle Emson

Michelle was so inspired by the courage and bravery of four Ukrainian LGBT activists that she switched her focus from commercial photography and video production to the plight of human rights in Ukraine. "Pride of Ukraine" is a work of passion which is just the beginning of her documentary filmmaking career. After many years in boutique video production Michelle has now found her purpose; to create powerful documentaries on LGBT rights in ex-Soviet countries, particularly Ukraine.

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Director Statement

Whilst this is my first full-length documentary it represents an important asset to the Ukrainian LGBT movement. Human rights in Ukraine are currently open for debate and I find it critical that the LGBT community there wins the international support of western civil societies. That's the mission behind "Pride of Ukraine" and it has already proven to be effective.