DIY Country
The building of the Donetsk People's Republic
In Spring 2014, armed pro-Russian rebels stormed the city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine. After seizing control of the city, the separatists held a referendum - labelled illegal by the US and EU - and independence from Kiev was declared. This brave documentary explores the origins and evolution of the Donetsk People's Republic, diving into hopeful beginnings and eventual descent into enduring conflict.
'Rarely have the convulsions at the heart of a civil war been so intimately captured on film... Not to be missed' - élérama, Marie Cailletet
'Antony Butts films the dream of a lost paradise that has become a real nightmare... A rare doc, which gives voice to the "bad guys"' – Life, Alice Babin
'The film by Antony Butts is a careful observation of Donetsk rebels' psychology, their understanding of what is going on, and their relationships. This detached observation is not devoid of a special British sense of humour. This film is truly hypnotic. But this is also the reality, the bitter truth about what our country has been through during the previous years of independence. It is a prominent work, which deserves to be seen by the widest audience.' - Telekrytyka, Maryna Baranivska
Hot Docs Film Festival - Official Selection
Watch Docs - Official Selection
One World Documentary Film Festival - Official Selection
Artdocfest - Jury Special Mention
Reykjavik International Human Rights Film Festival - Official Selection
