2014. Donetsk Airport as the face of a war
The film Donbass War: Airport. Part 1 looks back to the Donetsk region in 2014, when residents refused to recognise the results of “Maidan” and were confronted by a severe reaction from the Ukrainian authorities.
Donetsk airport became a stronghold for the Ukrainian army wanting to remain in control. After the Ukrainian military had taken it over, it became a source of tension. The film features burnt homes, people seeking for shelter, and victims of shelling from the airport. The film crew also met militia members, former miners, teachers, and plumbers, who had taken up arms to defend their home.
One of the main objectives was to retake the airport control tower, which the Ukrainian army used to target the shelling of militia and peaceful citizens.
Watch Donbass war: Airport. Part 1 for a detailed account of the 2014 events.