Ukrainian Film Night: 16 days. Revolution on Granite 

The political situation in Ukraine came to the world's attention as early as 1986 due to the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl, but broader political conflicts began in 1989. On 22 January that year, a human chain was formed from Lviv to Kyiv. In March, the Communist Party won the elections, but through the cooperation of the Progressive Communists and national opposition, the Soviet regime collapsed in the country. Before the official restoration of independence in 1991, a massive protest took place in 1990 which lasted for 16 days. The protesters demanded the resignation of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Ukrainian SSR, Vitaliy Masol. In the last days of the protest, Masol was forced to resign. The protest is known as the Revolution on Granite and is considered to be the first major political protest in Kyiv to have taken place at Maidan. 

A discussion in Estonian between David Vseviov, professor of history, and Ivari Padar, Member of Estonian Parliament, will follow the film. The moderator will be Gert Antsu, the Director of the Estonian Center of Eastern Partnership. The discussion will be held in Estonian

The evening will finish with an informal discussion accompanied by wine and snacks.

This event is being organized in cooperation with the Embassy of Ukraine in Estonia and European Parliament Liaison Office in Estonia 

 

16 days. Revolution on Granite  

Documentary, 2014 (30 min)
Director: Galina Khymych  
Language: Ukrainian, with English subtitles  

What has become known as the Revolution on Granite of October 1990 lasted for just 16 days but its repercussions started a process that eventually resulted in Ukraine regaining its independence. The central square in Kyiv, now called Maidan Nezalezhnosti, was the site where the revolution unfolded. The protesters' camp was pitched on the granite slabs with which part of the square was paved – hence the reference to the event as the Revolution on Granite. The main weapon of the protesters, most of them students, was a hunger strike. The protesters also encouraged and inspired other forms of protest. The Revolution on Granite achieved its main goals and produced a radical shift in people's attitudes to the Soviet regime, thus opening the way for Ukraine's independence.

The event is free of charge.  
Event in Facebook.



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