The Basement

9:30 AM – Sunday, February 23, 2025 – Belleville Theatre Guild

In the village of Yahidne in northern Ukraine, Russian troops imprisoned almost 400 people in the school basement for a month. As the villagers endured their captivity, their farms including all livestock were destroyed.

The film shows the villagers one year later rebuilding the community and the way of life they feared would be extinguished. A story of bravery and resilience in the face of the devastation of war.

Content Warning: This film contains imagery and depictions of violence that may be disturbing. It also includes language or subject matter that could be sensitive or triggering for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.

Awards and Nominations

Winner, Award for Best Cinematography, Millennium Docs Against Gravity Film Festival, 2024
Official Selection, Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema, 2024
Official Selection, Camerimage, 2024
Official Selection, Munich International Documentary Festival, 2024
Official Selection, DOC NYC, 2024

Director

Roman Blazhan

Film Details

2024, 78 min
Ukraine

Languages

Ukrainian (subtitles in English)

Editor

Matthieu Augustin

Cinematographer

Andrey Noga, Mikhail Volkov

Producers

Anne Grolleron, Christilla Huillard-Kann, Alexandre Marionneau, Fabrice Puchault