Program Type:
FilmsAge Group:
AdultsProgram Description
Event Details
Join us for an exclusive screening of the gripping documentary that unveils the harrowing journey of two film producers turned soldiers in the midst of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
From the heart of Kyiv to the trenches of the battlefield, witness their unwavering commitment to defend their homeland.
Film Synopsis
In the wake of the Russian occupation of Crimea, two successful film producers embark on a remarkable journey. Leaving behind their thriving careers, they volunteer for the front lines of the war in eastern Ukraine, determined to stand against the invading forces. Amidst the chaos and devastation, their story unfolds - a tale of bravery, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of patriotism.
As their comrades fall and the scars of war deepen, the producers find themselves torn between duty and personal turmoil. Yet, amidst the chaos, a beacon of hope emerges - their documentary "Winter on Fire" becomes a nominee for the American Academy Award, shining a spotlight on the plight of their nation.
Q&A Session
Director Pavlo Peleshok will be joined by Olena Lennon, Ph.D., adjunct professor of National Security at University of New Haven, and Peter Rutland, Ph.D., professor of government at Wesleyan University for post-film discussion.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of cinema and dialogue as we discuss one of the most pressing conflicts of our time.
This movie is 1 hour and 47 minutes and is not rated.
About the Director
Pavlo Peleshok is a decorated war veteran of the Russia-Ukraine war (2014-2021), where he earned the rank of a First Lieutenant in Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces. A recipient of several valor awards for his military service, Peleshok is also an award-winning film producer, screenwriter, and film director. His documentary film “Winter on Fire” was nominated for an Oscar for the Best Documentary Film in 2016.
Formerly a professional car racer, and winner of multiple racing competitions, Peleshok joined Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity in 2013-14. During the revolution, he co-founded a social journalism project called UkrStream.TV to livestream events in Ukraine and tell global audiences the truth about the war.
His new documentary “Life to the Limit” is one of few Ukrainian documentaries that tracks Russia's war against Ukraine from the Maidan Revolution in 2013 to Russia’s full-scale invasion of 2022. It provides a unique perspective tying the events of the last ten years into a coherent narrative. The film has already been critically acclaimed in Ukraine and internationally and has been ranked #2 in the top five documentaries about the war in Ukraine (second only to the Oscar-winning “20 Days in Mariupol”).