Distance to Independence – Screening on Monday November 16!

Advance tickets now available for Distance to Independence!

A special screening of Distance to Independence, followed by a discussion and Q&A with producers Akim Galimov and Anna Palenchuk.

Distance to Independence tells the little-known story of 80 Canadians and Americans of Ukrainian descent who travelled to Ukraine in the final months of the Soviet Union to support the independence movement in their ancestral homeland.

They travelled across the country, distributed pro-independence leaflets in eastern and southern Ukraine, brought underground printing equipment from Canada, produced television ads, and spoke with local communities about independence and democracy ahead of the historic December 1, 1991 referendum.

The documentary features rare archival footage from Ukraine and Canada in the early 1990s, including remarkable scenes of Donetsk in 1991. It also reveals how the Soviet KGB monitored the Canadian visitors and brings to light previously untold stories through firsthand accounts from those who were there.

Beyond the events of 1991, Distance to Independence explores the role of Canada’s Ukrainian diaspora in shaping Ukraine’s modern history and the longstanding connections between the two countries.

*This event is a rental, normal Mayfair prices and membership does not apply.

*Please take note that doors open 30 minutes before showtimes. We encourage people to arrive early. We have a small box office, a small candy bar, and a single-screen cinema, meaning that when most of an audience shows up a few minutes before showtime, it causes a bottleneck. If possible, we appreciate you arriving a little bit early to pick out your seat and get your popcorn. Thanks for your help!