“Summertime in Ukraine”: When will the documentary on U.S. legionnaires of Ukraine’s foreign legion premiere abroad, and is a sequel coming?

The documentary about the soldiers of the International Legion of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) was originally intended for international audiences, with screenings outside Ukraine. However, it is currently breaking records for the distribution of Ukrainian documentaries within the country. Despite this domestic success, the filmmakers are eager to present the film abroad as soon as possible.

This was discussed during a recent briefing at the Media Center Ukraine.

Though the film is in English and was crafted with a Western perspective on Ukraine, the decision was made to first show it to Ukrainian viewers.

“Throughout the various stages of editing, we held screenings with different colleagues and representatives from the DIU representatives. These screenings began with very rough initial cuts. From the reactions of those who saw it, we realized that it would be extremely interesting to watch it here in Ukraine,” said Anastasiia Tykha, director of the Ukrainian segment of the film.

Despite its success at home, the filmmakers are hopeful that the film will soon be shown internationally, as originally planned.

“When we were making the film last summer, we had high expectations. But as we neared completion later in the year, it became clear that circumstances had changed dramatically. Now, a film about the war in Ukraine, particularly in the U.S.—which is our primary focus—has evolved into more than just a war story. It’s become a political statement. Even the biggest streaming platforms are hesitant to take it on because they’re uncertain how to approach it,” explained Volodymyr Tykhyi, the lead director and creator of the film’s concept.

He remains optimistic that, eventually, the position on Ukraine will be clarified, allowing the film to be shown not only in the United States but also in the UK, France, Germany, and across Europe. However, he cautioned that viewers will likely have to wait at least two more months before international screenings.

Tykhyi also expressed his willingness to put a sequel in the works, but emphasized the importance of first gauging the film’s reception by a broad Western audience.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news