There’s more than one way to fight a war. Witness the ongoing invasion of Ukraine from inside the battle-torn country’s administration through such officials as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vice Prime Minister, and the nation’s lead negotiator, as they attempt to broker peace. As the war between Russia and Ukraine drags on, what was once a promise of steadfast support for Ukraine from the Western world has become increasingly lackluster. Ukrainian officials are fighting not only a physical war, but also an information war in the face of wavering public support in the United States and around the world. This change in public opinion has been compounded by Russia’s state-sponsored media and their narratives of the war, which are often in stark contrast with the reality of what the Ukrainian people are experiencing on the ground. Featuring close-up access to Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, along with other top members of the Ukrainian administration, DEFIANT is a compelling and urgently timely documentary that sheds light on a modern day David and Goliath. —G.S. Content Warning: This film contains material that may be difficult for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
