Sakharov Special on Ukraine

On Thursday, March 30, the annual Sakharov screening will take place in Theater aan het Spui, Room 1. This is one of our annual specials in collaboration with the European Parliament, highlighting the Sakharov Prize – the leading European human rights prize – and the winner(s).

Book your free ticket here

This year we present a special programme dedicated to Ukraine’s brave and resilient people, the 2022 Sakharov Prize winners. In this context, we screen the Ukrainian documentary Plai, a Mountain Path, directed by Eva Dzhyshyashvili. 

This special evening is presented by Kysia Hekster.

After the screening, there will be a panel talk with our special guests Oleksandra Matviichuk (human rights lawyer and civil society leader), Lyuba Knorozok (producer from Kyiv, collecting evidence for the ICC), and Ksenia Novikova (Ukrainian ballet dancer).

With confirmed performances by Sofiia Dorosh (Ukrainian pianist, 14 yo) and the United Ukrainian Ballet (dancers in exile united by the tragedy of war in the city of peace, the Hague).

* Please note that Roberta Metsola will not be able to attend anymore, as previously communicated. 

Plai. A Mountian Path (Eva Dzhyshyashvili, 2022) is a meditative portrait of the life of Ukrainian Hannusia and Dmytro and their two grandchildren in a remote mountain village. Dmytro lost his leg defending Ukraine’s independence. Still, the couple – who have been married for thirty years – stay loving, grateful and resilient. It’s only gradually that we learn of their hardships and misfortunes, mostly thanks to the children’s inquisitive minds. Like when Vasylko asks: ‘What is the European Union?’ Or Anya, musing to the camera: ‘Why did God create war?’ At moments like these, the echoes of the Russian-Ukrainian war enter this beautiful, poetic gem.   

The screening is free to attend, but ticket booking is required. Book your free ticket here:

This Sakharov Special Event is jointly organised by the European Parliament Liaison Office in the Netherlands and Movies that Matter