Volodymyr Zelensky was born in 1978 in Kryvyï Rih, a major steel and mining center in Ukraine’s Russian-speaking east-central region. Raised as an atheist, as he should have been at the time, the Ukrainian president was first and foremost a Soviet boy. When he was 13, the USSR collapsed. His largely unpoliticized adolescence followed the hopes and chaos of an independent Ukraine, where crime and poverty flourished, while the future oligarchs appropriated a share of the country’s resources. In building courtyards, on improvised stages, his little troupe of friends, boys and girls, try their hand at stand-up comedy and song. The undisputed leader, Volodymyr Zelensky studies law to reassure his father, but puts most of his hyperactivity into writing and putting on shows.
Jens Stoltenberg had planned to step down after nine years in the powerful position of NATO Secretary General. The 65-year-old politician had packed his bags to go home to his wife in Norway, as he had promised her. But then Joe Biden called and asked him to stay another year. Because in a troubled world, an experienced leader is needed more than ever. With unprecedented access, we follow Jens Stoltenberg through his last year as Secretary General of NATO.
An awe-inspiring documentary that delves into the extraordinary journeys of courageous Ukrainian railway workers who risked their lives daily to evacuate people from the most life-threatening war-torn regions. Set against the backdrop of a crucial supply and evacuation vein during the war, this film unveils the untold stories of these people, transcending their roles as railway workers and becoming beacons of hope for millions of Ukrainians.
Follow Zelensky’s journey from a young actor and entertainer to one of the most recognisable leaders on the planet, presiding over a nation at war with Putin’s Russia.
A reforming constitutional lawyer and senator in her early career, Mary Robinson detonated an electoral earthquake by winning the Irish Presidential vote in 1990. Later, as a crusading UN High Commissioner, she built a lasting legacy; fearlessly challenging perpetrators of human rights abuses all over the world. To this day, she exerts power and leadership as the Chair of The Elders; the independent group of global leaders (founded by Nelson Mandela) who work for peace, justice and human rights.
A critical and objective look back at Ukraine's tumultuous and tragic history, from its mythical founding in the 10th century to the Russian invasion in 2022.
Abel Ferrara explores human conflict and the search for peace and balance through the music and words of Patti Smith and the experiences of people at war in Ukraine.
On February 24th, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The war has since killed thousands, displaced millions and destroyed entire cities. Despite international appeals for Volodymyr Zelensky, and his family, to be evacuated to a safe location during the opening days of the invasion, the 44-year-old president stayed in Kyiv with his defence forces. It's hard to imagine how this bright, comedic, family man, has ended up in one of the most dangerous positions in the world, with a giant target on his back. 10 months on, and still fighting from the ground, Zelensky has been named TIME Person of the Year 2022. With comparisons to Winston Churchill, as a war time leader, his impact is undeniable. Utilising his acting skills he is embodying everything it means to have the spirit of Ukraine.
Until 2019, he was an entertainment superstar and successful businessman. Then Volodymyr Zelenskyy turned his attention to politics at a time when corruption and economic struggle at home were rife and the shadow of a sword-rattling neighbor was falling over Eastern Ukraine. Following a landslide election victory, he found himself Ukraine’s President, and soon after that, the Russian threat exploded into a full-scale invasion. Putin expected a quick and easy victory but he miscalculated: the comedy President turned out to be a skilled and determined adversary. Suddenly, the world wanted to know more about this man. This film answers those questions, revealing his story from childhood under USSR domination to the heady days of show business stardom, always surrounded and supported by devoted friends, family and colleagues. Through an extended and personal interview with actor-filmmaker Liev Schreiber, we gain.new insights into one of the most extraordinary characters of our age.
As the Russian invasion begins, a team of Ukrainian journalists trapped in the besieged city of Mariupol struggle to continue their work documenting the war's atrocities.
Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, former actor and comedian who has been serving as the president of Ukraine since 2019. Zelenskyy grew up in Kryvyi Rih, a Russian-speaking region in southeastern Ukraine. Prior to his acting career, Zelenskyy obtained a degree in law from the Kyiv National Economic University. He then pursued comedy and created the production company Kvartal 95, which produces films, cartoons, and TV shows including Servant of the People, in which Zelenskyy played the role of president of Ukraine. The series aired from 2015 to 2019 and was immensely popular. A political party bearing the same name as the television show was created in March 2018 by employees of Kvartal 95.