Toronto International Film Festival showcases a remarkable collection of compelling and essential works in its esteemed DOCS Section of 2023. Among these standout films is Defiant, a captivating documentary by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Karim Amer, which sheds light on the fierce battle between Ukraine and Russia after the invasion in February 2022. Amer skilfully takes us on an extraordinary journey, granting us unprecedented access to the behind-the-scenes events, guided directly by the film’s protagonists.
Renowned for his recent production and direction of notable docuseries such as The Lincoln Project (2022), an exploration of the controversial Republic political action committee, and Flight/Risk (2022), a thought-provoking documentary on Boeing’s controversial 737 Max planes, the Egyptian director now brings the audience close to influential figures within the Ukrainian government.
One such key figure is Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. He tirelessly works to raise awareness of Ukraine’s plight on a global scale, passionately advocating for its recognition as a European Nation. Kuleba emphasizes: “As Foreign Minister, I have three crucial responsibilities: ensuring that Ukrainian army has the necessary weapons, imposing the harshest sanctions on Russians, and politically isolating Russia to prevent their false narrative from prevailing in this war”.
Irina Vereschuk, Deputy Prime Minister, exemplifies unwavering dedication as she tirelessly works to establish essential humanitarian corridors and negotiates with Russia for peace. Furthermore, she dedicates to locating and facilitating the return of kidnapped children from Russia and negotiating prisoners’ swap. Millions of lives depend on her tireless work, such as on Rustem Umerov’s. Peace Negotiator, he is a Tatar deeply connected to Crimea and fighting valiantly for Ukraine’s freedom, symbolizing the wider Ukrainian battle.
Mykhailo Federov, the Minister of Digital Transformation, leads Ukraine’s digital warfare, utilizing cutting-edge technology to expose truth and combat Russian propaganda. Notably, with innovative programs like the E-Enemy app, the population can directly aid the Ukrainian army by providing information and images of spotted Russian soldiers, enabling a precise geolocation.
Amidst the prevailing chaos, uncertainty and Russian-perpetrated war crimes, these brave participants carve the future of their country with unwavering resolve. They fight with all their power, understanding that Ukraine is ready to engage in discussion and negotiations, but refusing to compromise on its freedom, territorial integrity and sovereignty. That is what guides Kuleba, in collaboration with his diplomatic colleagues, to expertly navigate the turbulent realms of diplomacy and disinformation within an ever-evolving geopolitical landscape.
Defiant offers several interesting takes on the situation, brought together with a compelling editing style and wise directing choices.
Not only does it unveil the true face of Russia in this conflict, exposing the war crimes committed by Putin and his entourage, exemplified tragically by the Bucha massacre, but it also highlights the manipulation of the media, which perfectly managed to insinuate into the mind of many Russian citizens. This is certainly one of the most shocking elements of the film, as it shows the successful fabrication and promotion of a false narrative that aims at justifying perpetrated atrocities based on the supposed brotherhood between Russia and Ukraine – or that simply denies them, no matter how undeniable.
Additionally, the film offers insight into modern warfare and the necessity for a constant rapid innovation in the midst of an ongoing conflict.
However, the most intriguing aspect of this documentary lies in its focus on humanity, resilience and solidarity displayed by the Ukrainian people. A country which refuses to surrender and demonstrates an unwavering spirit. But Defiant doesn’t only offer a human portrayal of the whole nation in general, it also focuses on the humanity of the influential political figure’s protagonists. These individuals, often seen from a distance through photographs, slogans or TV interviews, are finally brought to life, and presented also for what they are, fathers and mothers, sons, even affectionate dogs’ owner. This way, we gain a profound understanding of the human side of politics and diplomacy, specifically during times of immense emotional stress, while navigating through the current hardships. Through their collective grief, the protagonists showcase an immense love for their nation. Ukraine, an underappreciated and disrespected country over the past century, including the last 30 years of independence, now reveals its unparalleled strength, resilience and determination, as it refuses to succumb to oppression and stands out as a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
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