Two incidents in Dallas reveal an alternate perspective on the conflict in Ukraine
In a poignant portrayal of life under the Russian invasion, the documentary Kherson: Human Safari sheds light on the experiences of civilians living in the Ukrainian city of Kherson. Directed by American journalist Zarina Zabrisky, the film documents the severe hardships faced by the city's residents, including constant bombardments, while also presenting a rich cultural perspective through the eyes of a local dancer[1].
The city of Kherson, a seaport along the southern coast, became the first major Ukrainian city to fall to Russian forces early in the war but is now liberated[5]. The film explores the resilience and spirit of its people, who continue to live and create amid the ongoing danger[2][3].
The term "human safari" comes from a phrase coined by locals to describe drone strikes targeting civilians, a tactic that the United Nations has identified as war crimes and crimes against humanity[1]. These drone strikes have resulted in over 13,500 civilian deaths and over 34,000 injuries since the full-scale Russian invasion[6].
One of the key figures in the documentary is contemporary artist Hanna Chekodanova, a refugee from Ukraine who moved to Dallas. Hanna has been making Petrykivka art for over 25 years[4]. Petrykivka is a traditional Ukrainian folk art style of decorative painting, and Hanna's work is currently on display at Dallas City Hall[7]. Her painting "Sound of Silence" is a poignant depiction of the silence every Ukrainian yearns for amid the war[8].
In addition to her art, Hanna hosts local workshops and online classes for Petrykivka painting. She also showcases her work in Dallas, aiming to share her culture and the stories it tells[7].
The documentary will be screened at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library in Dallas, offering viewers a chance to witness the brutal realities and enduring human spirit in Kherson[1]. It is also available to watch for free online[9].
Kherson: Human Safari serves as both a witness to the harsh realities of war and an ode to the resilient human spirit, reminding us that human rights are not a matter of geography or nationality[1]. It is a call to challenge global indifference and uphold principles of humanity over power[1]. Furthermore, it celebrates the cultural and artistic life as a form of resistance and unity among the people affected by the conflict[4].
[1] The Dallas Morning News [2] CNN [3] BBC [4] The New York Times [5] Reuters [6] UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights [7] Dallas Observer [8] Hanna Chekodanova's official website [9] Kherson: Human Safari official website
- The government and international community should pay attention to the news of war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, such as the city of Kherson, where civilians continue to suffer from constant bombardments.
- In the face of such hardships, the spirit of the community in Kherson remains strong, as seen in the work of locals like contemporary artist Hanna Chekodanova, who uses her Petrykivka art as a form of cultural resistance and unity.
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, including the experiences of civilians in Kherson, are not just general news; they are a matter of human rights and humanity, requiring global action and commitment to uphold these principles over power.
