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Deep Dive: Ukrainian Sheriffs (2016)

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Ukrainian Sheriffs
Ukrainian Sheriffs is a documentary directed by Roman Bondarchuk that begins by portraying the small agricultural village of Stara Zburyivka in Kherson Oblast, Ukraine. The film captures the community's efforts to manage their own policing needs in the absence of effective government support. As the Russo-Ukrainian War escalates, the film shifts focus to illustrate the war's impact on the village and its residents, providing a microcosmic view of broader national issues. The film features local residents Viktor Marunyak, Viktor Kryvoborodko, and Volodymyr Rudkovskyy, who take on roles as village sheriffs to address conflicts and maintain order. This initiative arises after the militsiya, Ukraine's national police force, arrests Marunyak without evidence, prompting villagers to rally for his release. The documentary captures the villagers' self-reliance and their unique approach to community policing amidst the backdrop of war.

Why Watch

  • •Meet the village sheriffs of Stara Zburyivka
  • •See how a community responds to police corruption
  • •Find out about the impact of war on rural life

Did You Know

•Stara Zburyivka had a population of approximately 1800 during filming.
•The militsiya was known as the largest and most corrupt police force in Europe.
•Ukrainian Sheriffs won the IDFA Special Jury Award in 2015.
•The film ranked 56th on the list of the best films in Ukrainian cinema.

Perfect For

Ukrainian historyCommunity policingDocumentary filmmaking