Defiant is a 2023 internationally co-produced documentary film directed and produced by Karim Amer. It follows the Russian invasion of Ukraine, focusing on Dmytro Kuleba and others fighting disinformation in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
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| Directed by | Karim Amer |
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| Music by | Katya Mihailova |
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Running time | 99 minutes[1] |
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It had its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2023.[2]
Plot
editThe film follows the Russian invasion of Ukraine, focusing on Dmytro Kuleba and others fighting disinformation. Rustem Umierov, Mykhailo Fedorov, Iryna Vereshchuk also appear in the film, as they return to work, focus on restoring Ukraine's internet, and tour cities liberated from occupation, respectively.
Production
editInitially, Karim Amer was introduced to Rustem Umerov, who cut their meeting short, in order to meet with Pope Francis, to deliver a message from Volodymyr Zelenskyy.[3]
Showing that Amer and his team of producers, Mike Lerner and Odessa Rae, were interested, they began filming. Instead of focusing on the front lines, Amer chose to focus on the individuals dealing with diplomacy and disinformation.[4][5] Due to the ongoing conflict, the filmmakers thought the project would be a series, but due to the fading interest in political filmmaking from investors, this idea was scrapped.[3] The film was picture locked prior to the firing of former defense minister Oleksii Reznikov.[3]
Release
editIt had its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2023.[6] It also screened at the Camden International Film Festival on September 15, 2023.[7][8] and DOC NYC on November 15, 2023.[9][10]
References
edit- ^ "Defiant". Toronto International Film Festival. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ Centre, Mattamy Athletic. "The Overwatch League 2023 Grand Finals presented by Toronto Defiant | Mattamy Athletic Centre". www.mattamyathleticcentre.ca. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
- ^ a b c Grobar, Jason (September 9, 2023). "Defiant's Karim Amer and Mike Lerner on Ukraine and the Fight Against Fascism". POV. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
- ^ Ritman, Alex (September 9, 2023). "Toronto Hidden Gem: Following a Wartime Government in Real Time in Ukraine Doc 'Defiant'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
- ^ Mullen, Pat (August 9, 2023). "Thom Powers on the Buzz and Biz of TIFF Docs". POV Magazine. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "Defiant". 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "Defiant". Camden International Film Festival. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
- ^ Morfoot, Addie (August 22, 2023). "Camden Film Festival, a Key Stop on the Awards Circuit for Doc Contenders, Reveals 2023 Lineup (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
- ^ "Defiant". DOC NYC. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
- ^ Bergeson, Samantha (October 12, 2023). "DOC NYC Opens with Real-Life 'Truman Show'-Esque 'The Contestant': See Full Lineup". IndieWire. Retrieved January 17, 2024.