Film Lens

The July Storms is a dilogy focusing on the miners' strikes in Donetsk, Ukraine, during 1989 and 1990. The first part, Strike, captures the first mass protests in Soviet Ukraine in many years, with several hundred thousand miners participating. The film documents their speeches in Donetsk and the dire living and working conditions at the Lidiyevka mine, providing a raw look at the miners' struggles.
The events depicted in the film played a crucial role in the history of the Soviet Union's collapse. By showcasing the miners' plight and their collective action, the film illustrates how these strikes were unprecedented in scale and significance, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against the Soviet communist system.
Why Watch
- •See the first mass protests in Soviet Ukraine.
- •Find out about the miners' living conditions in 1989.
- •Meet the miners who changed history in Donetsk.
Did You Know
•The miners' strikes in Donetsk involved several hundred thousand participants.
•The film focuses on events from 1989 and 1990, marking significant protests.
•The Lidiyevka mine is highlighted for its poor working conditions.
Perfect For
Soviet history enthusiastsLabor rights advocatesDocumentary film lovers