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IN TIMES OF TYRANNY, SINGERS WILL ARISE -

THOSE WHO TELL OF THE TIMES

WHEN THE PEOPLE WERE STRONG, AND PROUD, AND FREE.

IN THE 1930S THE SOVIET REGIME ARRESTED HUNDREDS OF KOBZARS.

THEY VANISHED, WITHOUT A TRACE.

A FILM BY OLES SANIN

UKRAINE, KHARKIV 1934

An adult couldn't fit into the box under the train car,

only someone as small as I could.

I was 13.

My real name was Peter Shamrock,

but the street children called me "The American".

In those days trains full of prisoners weren't unusual.

There were thousands of trains packed

with "enemies of the people".

They were taken to Siberia,

to labor camps to build roads,

factories, power plants,

canals - to build a "bright future".

But labor camps had no need for blind musicians.

And no one could force those "Kobzars"

to sing praises for Stalin.

For my entire life I've looked for documents,

and for other witnesses.

No one would ever believe somebody like me.

THE GUIDE

Comrade Volodymyr!

They're the Storytellers of the Ukrainian nation.

TWO YEARS EARLIER

Yes, I know it's old-fashioned, but we are scientists.

We'll do it according to a careful plan:

we'll organize a conference

of kobzars.

We'll explain to them the new ways of these new times.

This way, truly new,

socialist kobzars will emerge.

What is it?

-Here! -What is this?

A conference, a conference…

-Of socialist kobzars, you see? -All right.

To build our future!

This is your responsibility.

Attention comrades! Attention!

You saved… You saved Ukrainian music.

It should be international in spirit, and socialist in substance!

Ok.

Comrades, we are performing for foreigners, so approved music only,

absolutely no improvisation!

KINO-EYE

There are droves of unemployed workers

in New York, London and Paris!

There the unemployed are standing in line for bowls of free soup,

while our Country of Soviets is constantly moving forward.

Industrialization marches across the land,

reaching even its most remote corners.

I don't like newsreels,

but that one was something special.

It was about my father,

the American engineer Michael Shamrock.

My father taught workers at the factory

how to build a tractor.

The tractor was called "The International".

Everyone here liked that word.

Even my school was named after the Third International.

-A bowtie? That way. -Thanks!

You're welcome.

Big, big building…

New buildings are rising in the cities.

The American communist engineer…

…due to the factory workers' effort.

The first tractor that came off the conveyor in the factory

is being given to the people

of the Kalynivka village collective farm.

When they announce your name, take three steps forward, OK?

And now, for all the participants of this celebration,

the son of the American communist comrade Michael Shamrock,

fifth-grader Peter Shamrock,

will recite a poem about our bright future.

Taras Shevchenko.

The cherry trees surround the cottage,

May bugs buzz over the orchard,

The plowmen return from their fields…

Decree of the People's Committee of the SRU. Top secret!

Due to some regions failing to satisfy bread requisitions,

all party organizations are ordered to cut off supplies completely,

to prohibit trade between collective farms, and to remove all reserve stock.

For his active participation in the assembly of the first tractor,

our American representative and comrade Michael Shamrock

is rewarded with a trip to Moscow,

the proletariat capital of the world.

VOUCHER

And now, comrades,

we offer you a musical number!

Our orchestra

will perform a jazz style composition!

Jazz, dear comrades, is the music

of oppressed American Negro laborers.

Olha,

I know it's just a formality,

but you know, I'd like to tell you…

Why are you starting this conversation again?

We talked about it: we're just friends.

You know I have somebody.

Of course, you are a man, too.

Volodymyr, you don't interest me!

I love Michael! Bravo!

Olha,

you won't get permission to marry.

Not here, not in Moscow.

They will leave and forget all about you.

My dear friend Gareth Jones,

I am sending you the documents you've been looking for.

Perhaps their publication in your newspaper

will stop the killing of innocent people

and the destruction of my nation.

Yours truly, Communist and Ukrainian,

Mykola Sytnyk.

And now

the leading actress of the Kharkiv Drama Theater…

I'll be back in a minute. Finish your ice-cream.

…Olha Levytska, will appear on stage for our foreign specialists.

So, comrade Shamrock,

you are going to Moscow?

Yes, I am.

May I ask you to pass this book

to this English journalist

Gareth Jones,

he works there.

OK.

It is a small personal gift

-to him from me… -Sure.

It's very important to me.

Yes, comrade. I understand.

I wrote his name.

He is going to meet you…

OK.

At the station.

OK, thank you.

I'm counting on you,

comrade Shamrock.

Thank you.

…ALL FOR…

…RELENTLESS STRUGGLE WITH THE ENEMIES OF THE REVOLUTION…

SIGNED

Goodbye, Soviet Union.

We will be back after the victory of the world revolution.

Thank you! Cut!

Let's go to the car.

Michael, Peter, I can't go to the station.

I have rehearsals at the theater.

You're so lucky to get to see Moscow!

-Bye, Olha! -Bye.

-We'll miss you. -I'll miss you too.

OK, big guy, on to Moscow!

Au revoir!

Bye-bye!

Till next time!

We have plenty of time.

-Are you here with someone, kid? -My Daddy.

No, no.

I'm way too excited to smoke.

You know…

this trip to Moscow… it got me thinking…

Come here!

You know I love Olha. Right?

And Peter loves her, and in fact…

-What's taking so long? -Hold on, just a minute!

Socialism makes people happy.

She could be the mother that he never had…

Quick! There is not much time.

Just a second!

I'm going to propose to her.

Oh crap, he locked it…

It's locked…

Quick, open it!

Olha, I love you!

And I want you to be my wife.

Dad! Dad! Thieves! Come here!

Hold a second. Still playing cops and robbers…

I'm coming!

Wait. Maybe… it's probably here.

Hey!

What's going on here?

Peter, run.

Peter! Run!

Get the kid.

Secret police!

Get the boy! Quick!

Stop!

Andriy!

Run over here, I'll catch you!

No, it's not me!

Where are you? Where?

Are you burned?

Why are you crying?

Who are you?

The documents?

They're not here.

If these documents surface, we're all done for.

Dig the ground with your noses

if you have to, but find me that American brat!

We'll find him!

The orders are already given. We're looking everywhere!

To Comrade Sytnyk

for his uncompromising battle with the enemies of revolution.

-Got a smoke? -Yes!

"Those cigarettes called «Ira» are the remains of the old era"

And what do we do

with the body of the American?

Write this down.

Michael Shamrock…

Comrade Michael Shamrock,

an American engineer,

a communist,

who voluntarily arrived in the Country of Soviets to help develop

one of the most important branches of industry, mechanical engineering,

was killed

by agents

of world imperialism

led by

the degenerate

and just now exposed,

the sworn enemy of the Country of Soviets,

Mykola Sytnyk.

The cherry trees surround the cottage…

If it keeps hurting,

find some cloth,

urinate on it, and put it on your wound.

Understand?

Urin… urni…

Well, pee.

Aha…

Don't be sad,

he might still be alive.

You can't return to Kharkiv.

Every dog is looking for you there now,

better go to Odessa.

What was the name of the ship?

Des… Desdemona.

"Desdemona."

Don't get off this train.

It goes straight to Odessa,

to the sea.

Look for

the captain of "Desdemona" there.

The moon has made its cycle, and the new era is dawning!

Keep calm, old man.

The boy doesn't have anyone here.

It means he will head to Odessa.

He sailed there with his father.

He'll look for the ship "Desdemona".

Desde-who?

Mona. Read some Shakespeare, Myron!

Olha, you have visitors!

I've read this newspaper,

it's about me.

"Olha Levytska - new star

of the Kharkiv theater!"

Olha,

this is tomorrow's edition.

Olha, did you really think

that Sytnyk would cover for you all your life?

ANOTHER CRIME OF THE ENEMIES OF THE PEOPLE

You are a grown-up girl,

and should understand

that

one day the games will be over,

and then…

What happened to Peter?

Where is Peter?

He disappeared.

But I'll find him.

I think he was kidnapped by the people who killed his father.

Olha,

I am the only one who can

protect you.

Can you read in our language?

Yes.

Look and see what station it is.

The name is supposed to be over the entrance.

Krasny Kut.

Krasny Kut.

Okay then. I've arrived.

Sit quietly and don't get off.

If you hear anyone,

hide in the box

under the train car.

An adult won't fit,

but it's just right for you, and they won't look in there.

I told you everything will be ready.

Oats to Line 5.

Give it to me.

Bye, little one!

Do you have a photo?

Yes! Here, printed from the newsreel.

Precincts notified?

Everyone's notified.

Where would he go anyway, right?

The boy doesn't know the language,

doesn't know the roads.

As soon as he is apprehended

and you're notified, bring him in.

It'll be a snap.

And stick to the plan.

Yes, sir!

All right, now get on the phones and telegraph.

If there's any news, get back to me right away!

Understood!

I had not yet experienced death

and I didn't know that my life had changed forever.

I had a child's faith that my father was alive

in a hospital somewhere

with Olga by his side.

Dear Gareth Jones…

Peter, can you put this in your backpack, please?

It's a present for a friend of ours

in Moscow, Mr. Gareth Jones…

I think the address is in there.

You brought only one suitcase from America,

and now you are taking three for just one week in Moscow!

Come on, everyone is ready!

I was a stubborn kid then, too,

so I decided I'd go to Moscow by myself.

KRASNY KUT

Give it to me.

Didn't I say to please keep everything under control?

Where is it? Where is it going?

Get back!

I said the 5th platform, not the 6th!

You, on the sixth, go!

KRASNY KUT

Stop! Stop! Where are you going?

Stop! Where are you going? Stop!

Get going!

Good day! Could you please tell me when the next train to Moscow leaves?

That stop is not scheduled.

And walking across the rails is strictly prohibited.

Three for me, please.

Could you please tell me when the train to Moscow leaves?

Maybe tomorrow, at 6 AM.

And if you need a place to sleep,

there are benches in the station.

-Do you want a biscuit? -No, thanks.

Hot, hot patties with peas!

With peas!

Hey!

Hey you, dummy! Gimme the patty!

Kazaam!

Wanna trade caps?

Sharing is caring.

Give me the pie.

Come on…

Come on, come at me!

Give it to me.

Run! The Blind Man.

Kid, where are you?

Get up, boy.

Top secret.

Department of Secret Police of the South Railway

utilize all forces

at your command to prevent the leakage of documents

which might compromise the process of building socialism in the USSR.

Wanted: Peter Shamrock,

born 1921,

residing in the city of Kharkiv,

son of a foreign specialist,

an American citizen.

Close the door, please!

Read the sign!

NUDE POSING

Description: height about 140 cm,

medium complexion,

brown eyes,

straight light brown hair,

wearing a checkered suit, foreign-made,

a grey cap and black shoes,

foreign-made.

Speaks with an accent.

If found, no action to apprehend should be taken,

report immediately.

"A provincial poet, enchanted with Balmont…"

Olha is in sculpture.

You look great.

I know.

Read, read…

"He would sigh stubbornly, turning to an empty street,

and cursed the caretaker for locking the gate."

We are done for today.

Olha,

they can't find Peter anywhere.

They could arrest us any minute.

Olha, we are…

Volodymyr,

there is no "we",

there's you and me, separate.

You didn't look for Peter, you're lying to me!

All right!

Fine, separate it is.

Olha,

we know Sytnyk

gave Michael the secret documents.

They weren't in Michael's suitcases

or on his body,

but everything could be saved

if we find them.

We could be saved…

You wretch!

You killed an innocent man!

He didn't know anything.

He only had to pass a book

to some reporter in Moscow.

If you have any conscience left,

rescue the boy for me,

rescue Peter.

Wow!

You are so good with the ladies.

A reporter,

in Moscow.

Bitch!

The brat was seen at the Krasny Kut station.

Don't let her out of your sight.

Yes sir.

Here's the water.

Are you really blind?

Do it like this.

Put them on the fire.

My father and I also used to make a fire

near the river for a picnic.

The river was called the Hudson.

My mom made salad,

and my dad and I cooked hotdogs.

Dogs?

Real dogs?

No, it's… it's a sausage on a stick.

Here, eat.

Thank you.

The blind old soldier

only looked scary and dangerous.

His name was Ivan,

but everyone called him Kocherha, Poker.

Maybe because he looked like he'd been burned in a fire

or because he could bend a poker with his bare hands.

I told Ivan about New York City,

the Hudson River,

tractors, and my dad.

He said

he'd take me to some people who'd help me.

Your daddy is alive.

It's important that you believe and don't lose hope.

Everyone in the world lives on hope.

Jesus my beloved,

Joy of my Heart,

In my sorrow and consolation.

You are my delight.

The salvation of My Soul…

-Did you sleep well? -Yes.

Let's go wash up.

Wash yourself well.

Here.

More.

Yes.

Yes, like this.

Like this. Yes.

Come here. Sit.

Let me go!

Cover your ears! Your ears, cover them!

Lice are, of course, a good thing, but…

Some kid came up to me, yes.

He was asking about tickets to Moscow or Odessa,

but I looked at him, and saw he was real small, no parents.

So he walked around for a while and disappeared.

Where could he vanish, though?

Probably he went to the market, but when the APB came,

as soon as it came, I immediately, immediately reported…

I didn't take an extra penny from him.

I charged him like everyone else.

I lose money on this business.

Peas didn't harvest well this year.

Flour is so expensive.

But he was also asking

if there were trains to Moscow and Odessa.

Yes, he asked!

He asked.

My patties are good, everybody buys them, no one complains…

Reporting: there was a train to Moscow this morning. No one boarded,

but two people got off.

Regarding the foreigner…

But we didn't touch him,

he bought some patties and shared them with us.

Actually, it was the blind man. He…

Blind man?

Excuse me.

-Hello! -Station?

Yes, Krasny Kut!

This is Secret Police!

It's for you.

Yes.

This is Lepetsky.

Yes, Comrade Commissioner!

Hey everyone! Get out!

So what's going on? Did you find the boy?

-Yes, the boy was here. -Got him yet?

I think we'll get him by tonight.

Good! Also, a military unit has been dispatched to your district.

-What unit? -They need a commander.

-Comrade commissioner, but I… -That's an order!

From " him."

I will meet them.

I‘ll send you a replacement when I can. In the meantime, you're in charge.

-Yes sir! -Do it!

The Kobzars gathered in an old Cossack fortress.

They sang of freedom, faith,

the heroic exploits of the Cossacks.

The Fortress was a ruin,

but the blind Kobzars didn't see it.

They didn't want to see it!

We have arrived, little one.

We are home.

Here, they're all ours.

The language is Lebiy,

the secret language of the Kobzars, that only our brothers understand.

"Lebiy" is a Kobzar who plays the lyre.

Remember that.

Lebiy.

Kuden' klevy.

And, to you, may God send you health.

"Kuden' klevy" is a greeting for good health.

But if you see a stranger, mumble as if you're dumb.

Kuden' klevy!

Good day to you, too, Ivan!

Matviy.

Is that you, brother?

Matviy…

Hello.

Hello.

Andriy!

Andriy!

Go to the other boys,

get yourself warm.

Look around, sniff around.

Dry your clothes off.

And…

This, take this and dry it off, go on.

-Let's go, Matviy? -Let's go, brother.

-Got any salt? -No.

Shall we go pick berries?

What's your name?

Are you pretending to be mute?

But why? We are all friends here.

You're no mute.

What's your name?

Andriy.

You're a bit strange, aren't you?

You speak our language, but sound like a German.

I am not German.

I am from America, but don't tell anyone.

Mum's the word.

Whose guide are you?

Ivan Kocherha's.

Listen, is it true that he's very angry and strict?

No, he only looks angry, in truth he is good.

And now, Kuchuhura has something to tell us.

When I played in Pyriatyn,

the local teacher brought a man from the capital to me.

He recorded my songs

and asked questions about the ballads.

-I heard about him. His name is Joseph. -And then this Joseph said:

"Do you know that they are inviting kobzars

from all over Ukraine to Kharkiv?

They will record our songs

and will issue papers

to give us freedom to sing anywhere,

and protect us from the police."

This is no kind of life:

no one dares sing religious songs,

can't go there, can't sit here…

But I think, brothers,

that it's a trap.

They know our power.

And they want to destroy us.

Come on, Ivan,

who would raise a hand against blind men?

-We are heading to Kharkiv, and you? -We're going to Myrhorod.

Have you been to Kharkiv?

No. Have you ever been to Myrhorod?

No. Not yet.

Sofiyka!

Farewell!

Sofiyka!

We can go now.

Halt!

Papers!

Kharkiv, OGPU, com. Lypetsky. Urgent.

As you ordered, the ruins of the old fortress have been searched.

The Military Police met harsh resistance from unknown persons.

The wanted persons were not found.

Volodymyr Sokolovsky.

We'll stay a day or two at Bohdan's home.

He'll fix the bandura.

Kuden' klevy, Lebiy!

Hello to you, Bohdan!

Sit down, Ivan!

You brought one more?

Take the boy away!

What, you can't find enough food

for one more Cossack in your hovel?

I'll pay!

Oh, Ivan. Why would one pay for people's sorrow?

Where are you from?

I'm from New Y… from Kharkiv!

I see. And where are you heading?

To Kharkiv.

I see.

Shall we go?

Lost your soul again?

Bohdan…

My soul is also hurting.

I urged the other kobzars to raise the people to revolt.

They said we should hide, and make peace.

If we rebel all together,

at the same time, all across the country,

their whole army wouldn't be enough.

Ivan, we must listen to our elders.

I know, I know…

Oh, the Cossack died…

But, his glory will not die or rest

From now to eternity

To the end of time…

My friend,

why are all of your songs

about misfortune, about suffering?

Do you have anything more cheerful?

I beg you!

Something more cheerful, funny,

dance-like!

Perhaps "Hrechanyky"?

"Hrechanyky"!

Begin!

"Hrechanyky."

There's no bread, there's no bacon

Commies took it all away

No cows, no pigs

Only Stalin on the wall

Hey, my Hrechanyky Communists are the bosses

Peasants are slaves And Cheka agents are fools!

Father's in the collective Mother's in the collective

The children crying in the streets

When they see the Secret Police

They hide in the bushes…

Who's next?

Perhaps I am.

What's that?

Now that… is the soul.

Its place is inside,

between the sounding boards.

Without a soul

the bandura doesn't sing.

It doesn't have a voice.

But why are the kobzars blind?

It's an old story, son.

Tsarina Catherine wanted

to destroy the Cossacks' homeland, Zaporizhian Sich.

And there was a great battle.

The Cossacks fought a long time.

They fought well, no sword could cut them,

no bullet could hit them.

And no one would ever have conquered them,

if not for a traitor.

But there was a traitor.

At night he opened the gates

and led the Tsarina's army into the fortress.

They attacked the sleeping Cossacks…

…a traitor…

But the Tsarina ordered them

not to kill the Cossacks,

but instead to blind them.

They were children, you understand, children!

It was me who should have died, not them, but me!

They weren't children, Ivan, but soldiers.

And they knew well

what they were dying for.

And Death doesn't choose.

Those whose time had come, fell.

And you need to live!

But why, Bohdan?

Because you do.

Didn't you bring a boy here today?

Make a man out of this child.

For this alone you have to stay alive.

That's what I think.

The ruffians wanted to take away his bag,

but he would not let it go. He fought for it.

Maybe something of his father's is in this bag.

Go and take a look.

Ivan!

There is a book, "Kobzar",

and an address on it

and some papers were hidden

behind the binding.

I've read them.

Do you know about them?

No, read them.

"Defeat the sabotage of grain confiscations.

Destroy all resistance

and put the Kulaks and the Free Farmers

on the list for extermination.

Signed, Stalin…

and Kaganovich…"

Yes…

It has begun.

We must raise the people, Bohdan.

No, we mustn't.

Someone is probably waiting for these documents.

The little boy is no courier,

so I'll take him myself.

Hide the papers,

and put the book back.

Close your eyes.

Now listen.

Listen and smell.

What do you hear?

The wind is blowing.

The trees are whispering…

What else?

The cow mooing in the pasture.

And then what?

A bucket is rattling.

It smells of cold water.

Well, we'll drink it later.

And then what? What do you hear?

People… screaming somewhere.

See? Attaboy.

-Hello, Miss. -Twenty-six.

Connect me to 013!

013, connecting. Please wait.

Yes, waiting.

-Hello? -Yes.

Searched the village.

But the American wasn't there.

I see.

The blind man once brought young orphans there.

I see.

The Market was full of people, buying, selling.

No one suspected that soon all their food

would be taken from them.

It's important to choose a good spot at the market.

Somewhere close to the entrance,

but not so close that you get trampled.

Where people have already shopped,

but still have some money left.

And no puddles!

And where nothing stinks.

Nobody likes it

when it stinks near you.

Got it?

Bread over here.

You're mute, mute!

It's a bad spot to sit and play here,

it stinks of fish.

Stop, smell it?

It also stinks of cheap cologne.

Let's get out of here.

So!

Breaking the law, are we?

Hey there, Ivan.

Oh! Hello!

Are you singing religious songs again?

Oh come on now,

Hrytsko Yosypovich.

I only sing military songs and laments.

They're not banned, are they?

-No, these are not. -Well!

Yet.

Who's this kid with you?

Him? It's Andriy, he can't speak.

My cousin's youngest, they have five, so I took one,

thought it'd make life easier for them.

So…

You know,

I have his birth certificate.

Here.

Well, the papers are in order.

Walk the straight and narrow, Ivan.

But of course.

Thank you.

Thank you. Good-bye.

Truth is trampled underfoot

Lies are coated with honey

Truth now rots in dungeons

And lies sit in rulers' palaces

No truth in this world…

Join the Red Army!

Who's with us?

Three steps forward!

Good day, Ivan.

Boris, hello.

Give me some tobacco, three rubles' worth.

What are the papers lying about today?

They're killing their own now.

"The latest crime of the enemies of the people.

Enemies of the people,

led by traitor Mykola Sytnyk,

murdered the American Communist

Engineer Michael Shamrock."

Boris, give me this newspaper,

you've read it already.

Wrap my tobacco in it.

Put it in here.

The beat cop at the market supposedly recognized him.

HAND OVER PERSONALLY

However, it's not clear

whether it's our kid or not.

Pretending to be mute.

Mute?

Of course, mute.

The one in the overcoat sings

and plays the bandura.

It seems the boy is his guide,

but it's unclear.

We searched everywhere, but they vanished into thin air.

Once upon a time, here in this swamp,

the enemy caught up with the Cossacks.

Right here?

Are we rowing towards the weeping willows?

And during this battle one Cossack

got separated from the rest,

and the enemies surrounded him.

And their king came to the banks of this lake.

He looked at the Cossack and said:

"I will grant you life, brave Cossack, if you put down your weapon

and raise your hands."

But the Cossack answered,

"That will happen only when you, glorious king,

come up to me

and kiss my ass."

So they started shooting at the Cossack with the muskets,

pistols, cannons…

When the smoke cleared,

the king ordered them to retrieve the Cossack's body.

They searched and searched and searched,

but never found it.

There was no Cossack.

He was nowhere to be found.

That's how it was.

Demand for the immediate enforcement

of the Order of the Party Central Committee.

Prohibition of begging

and mandatory registration of musical instruments

with local militia and Military Police.

We remind you that the Kobza and Bandura

are dangerous and socially alien elements of Ukrainian culture.

We demand immediate decisive action to destroy nationalism down to its roots.

In my sorrow and consolation You are my delight…

You're done here!

-Run! -Stop!

FOOD COMMITTEE VODKA

No.

I can't take them.

There are check points and Military Police everywhere.

If they see a blind man with a bandura, they will grab us all.

Do you think my father survived?

Your father is strong.

I think he recovered already.

What if he's not in Kharkiv?

Then he's in Moscow,

waiting there for you.

Places where you're welcome

always smell so good.

It smells like borshch,

milk,

flowers.

And smells of mother, too.

I don't remember

how my mother smells.

Try to remember

how it smelled there, at home?

In New York?

Roasted chestnuts and vanilla.

You can't find that here.

One day I saw this really big

fat ship…

Stop!

The road ended.

There must be a bridge.

There's no bridge, it collapsed.

Collapsed?

Don't be silent, keep talking, go on, what happened then?

A hole, a hole! Careful!

Go left.

Not to worry…

Okay… The path…

I was weak from fever and I couldn't walk.

All I remember is Ivan carrying me to a house on a hill.

And the river overflowing and flooding all the roads.

See if there is anyone in the yard?

I can't see anything!

Don't look, then, sniff.

The place where you are welcome always smells good.

May the Son of God be with you and the Holy Ghost protect you…

Who is that?

Got a bit sick.

Oh my God, he has a fever.

The boy is a wanderer, won't tell me anything about himself.

If you let him in the house he will lie near the oven.

But if you give him a crust of bread,

he will tell you his name is Andriy.

Where does it hurt? Tell me.

It hurts there.

Andriy, you can talk in front of her.

Could you tell me,

when does the Moscow train leave?

Where did he wound his leg?

Burned it.

My fault, I missed it.

Doesn't matter. It'll heal.

The boy and I are leaving soon.

Listen, Ivan, would you give up your music?

Stay here.

I would love to…

But, I can't.

Why do you need me, burned as I am?

As soon as the water go down, we have to go.

I'll take the boy, then return.

Orysia!

Why are you complaining about God?

You know,

you are my one and only.

Come here. Come.

Orysia!

KALYNIVKA VILLAGE, "PROLETARIAN REVOLUTION VICTORY" COLLECTIVE FARM

Volodymyr! Comrade Volodymyr! Greetings from the Baltics!

Reporters?

No,

I am here on business, looking for a boy.

A foreigner, looks 10 or 12 years old.

Why would foreigners come here?

Comrade Volodymyr, listen, what is going on with our tractor?

Since it was taken for repairs after the newsreel…

We have already sowed and harvested without it.

It's an awkward situation.

People are saying it doesn't work.

-You will get your tractor, I promise. -We really need it!

Comrades from the city.

Hello, comrade!

-I'm here to collect grain. -Ok.

Here, new orders.

We harvested twelve percent more than our quota!

Comrade Volodymyr, if we had our tractor,

can't you see, we would harvest even more.

My girl! Bring my glasses?

Comrade Volodymyr!

Please stay!

Are there kulaks in your village?

Kulaks? In our village? The kulaks are long gone.

Aha, thank you, dear…

Our village is celebrating.

My daughter's getting married.

Listen!

We'll dig here.

Boys!

Breakfast is ready!

Potatoes and bacon.

“Tarzan raises his voice in a tribal call of distress…

In the higher land, that the tribe frequented,

was a little lake…

Behind him were two males

and then Kala, clasping her dead baby…

A plaintive wailing came from a tiny cradle…"

Watch out!

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…

Amen!

Why are you praying?

If you say two Our Fathers the yolk will be soft,

say four and it will be hard.

Ivan likes two Our Fathers.

And you?

Same as Ivan.

Ivan, the water has receded.

There's a wedding in Kalynivka. You should drop by.

The bride and the groom want you to.

The church is closed.

At least you can say a prayer for them.

Let's go.

You didn't forget your book, did you?

It's here.

Sign it!

Orders! We won't obey these orders!

I have friends in the regional center…

I am…

If they take all our grain, we will starve to death.

And now, you are an undercover agent of the Secret Police.

Give me a horse!

This is mine,

and this is yours.

Give it to my assistants,

and report these dangerous protests.

But…

Do you understand me?

Yes.

Great, then.

I order to blacklist Kalynivka.

Impose a state of emergency.

Cleanse the territory from counterrevolutionary agents.

Seize all grain and food.

Party members who are no longer worthy of their high rank are to be liquidated.

-Will we make it through by ourselves? -We will not go to Kharkiv.

First we'll head to Kalynivka, to earn some coin.

Do you remember the address in Moscow?

Yes.

It's in the book.

Please, sit down.

You are hungry after the long road. I will feed you.

Girls, hurry up!

-What's your name, little sailor? -Luka.

Comrade, stop!

Wait, damn it, I want to ask something.

Is the village of Kalynivka nearby?

Kalynivka is right here.

-What do you want? -To see the chairman.

I'm the chairman. What is it?

Oh, you are the chairman?

Yes.

A letter for you from the regional center.

-What? -A letter from the regional center.

Oh God!

Don't worry about me!

Take it off!

Quickly, I'll wash it.

I'll give you a fresh one.

Let's go now.

Hey, grunt!

Give me a light.

A cigarette?

"Ira" cigarettes?

I tried others, they make me cough.

I have my own.

Tobacco and an overcoat warm the soldier's soul.

Why are you wearing that overcoat?

The war ended ages ago.

Maybe for you it did.

How are things here?

A wedding!

Without a church, without a blessing.

The church is closed.

Where did you fight?

I fought all over the world.

But I was wounded near Kyiv.

Near Kyiv?

Me too!

Which side were you on?

I was with the ones who dreamed

of happiness on earth.

Listen.

Have you, by chance, seen…

-I'm here. -Andriy!

I'm here.

Come out! Come out!

Did you see anyone?

Yes.

An old friend.

You can't stay here.

They're looking for you.

Searching!

Searching…

Let's go. I got everything.

Ivan Rachok…

Shvendia Fedir…

Avram Hrebin…

Shahov…

Petro… Ivan…

Chuyev…

Ivan Kocherha…

Ex-company commander.

…army of peace…

Head wound, 1918.

Resulting in blindness.

Secret Police to all Red Army commanders:

liquidate all Kulaks engaged in sabotage of grain collection

and counter-revolutionary riots.

Provide assistance to all Secret Police agents and activists.

Ensure absolute discipline and loyalty in carrying out all duties.

Hello, sir.

What do you need?

I need a platoon to comb the territory.

Here, near the river,

the village and the surrounding area.

Vyshenky Village.

We are a regular army unit.

Can't you do it yourselves?

No, we can't. We need a platoon.

You don't understand!

My soldiers are young and inexperienced.

I had to court martial four already.

They saw too much horror.

They wanted to go home.

This is not up for discussion.

Who are you looking for?

A man, around fifty.

Blind.

And also a boy.

Cripples and children, the only ones we haven't fought yet!

Commander, that's an order!

Do you need confirmation?

You think you're gonna find anyone in this fog?

Whoever was here starved to death.

All right.

I'll give you a platoon.

For 24 hours.

That's it.

Eat up, children.

Bad luck!

He fell from a tree.

He fell from a tree?

Hold this, Andriy.

Lay him on the table.

I don't know what to do with him.

They went to collect acorns.

They wanted me to cook them something to eat.

Easy. Andriy!

Roll me a cigarette.

Light it and give it to me.

Make sure you don't lose the "Soul" of the bandura.

…both the collective farm and the people.

They took their cattle as a fine.

Father said to take the kids and escape.

This is as far as we could go.

Everything will be fine.

We started eating acorns.

There were cordons all around. Soldiers were grabbing everyone.

Maybe they're done with us?

If they didn't come today,

they will come tomorrow.

Everything will be fine.

I can't pray. We need to get out of here.

The bone needs to be set.

KILLED AMERICAN… COMMUNIST ENGINEER

Don't cry.

Hold him!

Are you holding him?

MICHAEL SHAMROCK WAS KILLED.

Don't cry, little Cossack. It'll hurt a bit.

Here you go.

Good boy.

Don't cry. Don't cry, Cossack.

You'll be the Cossacks' leader.

You're okay. Don't cry.

Get the children ready.

We need to leave the village.

I will take them myself. Get ready!

Andriy, we have to save these children,

take them with us.

They're orphans. They have no families.

Everyone starved to death.

Let's take them away.

Then we'll go to Moscow,

to your father.

Understand?

Here we are.

Get on.

Quick.

The rope needs to be tight.

Go.

Andriy!

Stop! I'll shoot.

Andriy!

What's going on?

Take care of the children!

Weeds so dense, make way…

Go ahead, follow him.

Let the Cossack through

Run girl, after the Cossack

Through the thick reeds

Cossack's got black brows

Don't shoot! Take him alive!

Girl, how the trees rustle in the wind

Give me some, beneath the willow…

Beyond the hill, you gave it up for four

The fifth, the rich one I won't even count

Mother bore me in the straw on the bridge

Chickens shat all over me That's why I never grew

Run ahead! Catch him downstream!

Burn all his things.

And people shouldn't know that we came.

If anyone asks, say I was alone.

Come back soon.

I'll be waiting for you.

Where did the boy's things come from?

Cigarette?

I'll be waiting for you.

Ivan!

Ivan!

Ivan!

Ivan!

Come back soon.

Ivan!

Ivan!

Orysia!

You're all I have in the whole world…

Well, hello!

Your cigarettes stink.

It's the smell of fear.

Since the time you shot all of us,

that's been your stench.

And you?

You brought us there

to die.

And now you're sitting here

alive

and lecturing me.

I returned from that world

to find you in this world.

And I found you.

Enough!

Where's the boy?

I couldn't save him.

Do you want

to die a hero?

I won't let you!

You'll die like a dog.

No one will ever know where you're buried.

All I remember of those days is the fog.

And the road to Kharkiv,

where they took all the Kobzars.

What they had done to the blind musicians,

I didn't know.

But I did know that fear and hunger could turn a man into a beast.

KHARKIV, 1934

Ivan told me, if you see a wolf with human eyes,

give him some bread

and he will become human again.

But back then, no one gave me any bread.

Listen and smell.

Come on! Who's next?

Food is brought here every day.

Food cans, milk.

There's a cop downstairs, big fella.

Foreign workers used to live in this house,

but now, they say, Cheka officers.

I'll do it myself!

I can rob this house with my eyes closed.

Hold it right there!

Police!

Let me go!

Olha?

Peter?

I looked for you…

Then Volodymyr brought me a document

saying you died of typhus.

My theater is closed…

Police, security forces are everywhere.

The janitor told me the basement has become a prison.

So, you admit you sang anti-Soviet propaganda?

Now you can beat me.

1ST TRACTOR

Come closer.

Tell you something…

Bend down.

When you put me

on the stake

don't shove it in too deep.

Or, you won't be comfortable kissing my ass.

126.

It's for you.

-Yes. -The English reporter,

to whom Sytnyk was trying to send the papers,

we accused of slander, and he left the country.

I have a personal question for you.

We received a letter from some cultural leaders regarding the Nationalist Kobzars.

Olha Levytska organized the foreigners' signatures.

Isn't she your wife?

What foreigners? What leaders?

Reeducate who?

They're all enemies of the people!

Their songs alone are more harmful

to Soviet authority than all the saboteurs put together.

That's it, the case is closed.

Yes, all of them into the freight train!

All of them, terminate them.

I'll handle it personally!

Volodymyr, where are you going?

They are pitiful blind men.

They're just singing songs.

They're totally innocent!

Yes?

Their songs are the true history.

The living memories.

They are like children.

You wouldn't kill children, right?

What do you want me to do?

If you want, I will love you!

I beg you! Stop it! I know you can!

Stop this.

Olha!

I love you…

So much.

And again

you befriend foreigners!

Kocherha, Ivan!

Here.

Get up!

This is it.

-It's over. -Get up, get up!

Farewell, Ivan!

Farewell, brothers!

Farewell, brother!

May God protect you, Ivan.

Farewell, brother!

You're free to go. Getting released.

What do you mean, free?

I mean free. Go. Go.

The Tsarina blinded the wounded Cossacks,

but they did not surrender.

Instead of swords they took up banduras

and began to sing songs about freedom.

Understand?

Because you can kill a Cossack, but not his song.

Peter, this is for you and for your guys.

Peter, listen,

my friends will take you out of this country.

I promise,

I will come to you later, OK?

When will the Kobzars be taken away?

Tomorrow.

And asks the wind

A Cossack sits on a hill

And asks the wind

Tell me, Wind

Storming Wind

Where is our Cossack freedom?

What is our fate?

Where is our hope?

Where is our freedom?

Where is our glory?

What is our fate?

Where is our hope?

Where is our freedom?

Where is our glory?

And the wind answers

”I know,” it says

I know

Your Cossack fate

Is in a faraway land

Your Cossack fate

Is in a faraway land…

Left!

Right!

Listen to my order.

-Unload them behind the bridge. -Yes sir.

Don't move like sleeping bugs!

Quicker, soldiers!

Careful! My foot.

Are you crazy?

This is dynamite.

If it goes off here, they'll have to scrape us off the ground.

Go forward!

After the siren,

everyone take cover, behind the flags.

It'll blow two minutes later.

The signal is a red rocket flare.

Everything's almost ready.

All that's left is to pull the trigger.

Good job.

The charge is very powerful,

so when it explodes,

the water will flood through.

In the spring there will be a lake here.

-A lake? -Yes!

A lake is good, it's beautiful.

The signal is a red rocket flare.

After the siren, get everyone out of the way.

I'll give the command.

Blow it up after the red flare.

Yes sir! When I see the red flare!

Don't make a stupid mistake.

I want him to hear,

how they all die like animals.

Just as you say.

Where shall I put the interrogation records?

Here is fine.

Quick! We're leaving.

Stop!

Father… father… I am here.

Father… I am here.

I brought your bandura's soul.

Son… son…

Hang on!

The explosives are everywhere.

They'll shoot the flare and everything will explode!

Thank you, Ivan.

Let the boy go.

Give me the papers.

-Where are the papers? -In the bandura.

Where's the bandura?

Give me the bandura. You won't find it.

Just a moment.

Run, my son!

Do you know why flowers always turn to the sun?

No.

Because flowers also have eyes.

They believe the dawn will come.

All my life I searched for the papers

and for other witnesses.

No one would ever believe somebody like me.

IN THE WINTER OF 1934, A BOY WAS FOUND NEXT TO THE RAILROAD LINE.

HE WAS BRUISED AND FROSTBITTEN

AND SAID HE WAS THE SON OF A FOREIGN SPECIALIST.

RENOWNED BRITISH JOURNALIST GARETH JONES (1905-1935),

WHO FIRST PUBLISHED IN THE WESTERN PRESS

ARTICLES ABOUT THE UKRAINIAN HOLODOMOR,

WAS ASSASSINATED IN MANCHURIA IN 1935.

OUR DOOMED KOBZAR BROTHERS WERE PORTRAYED BY BLIND ACTORS

AND MEMBERS OF THE KOBZA PLAYERS WORKSHOP

Subtitles translation by: Maryna Zamiatina