THE ORANGE CHRONICLES (Damian Kolodiy) Rating: NNN
The 2004 Orange Revolution in Kiev saw the old Ukrainian regime defeated and the rise to power of President Viktor Yushchenko. Ukrainian-American Damian Kolodiy returns to his homeland to capture the millions of protestors who risked their lives taking over Kiev’s Independence Square. Their determination grew over the three cold weeks they slept in tents, marched through snow and ate whatever came their way. The sea of orange filling the streets and the weary protestors’ rejoicing after winning their demand for a new election are wonderful, but the dense narration is delivered too swiftly instead of unfolding organically.
Though Kolodiy is a sympathetic journalist, he should have lingered on the protestors, whose passion and opinions are the backbone of his film. (August 31-September 1, Ukrainian Zabava Festival, Harbourfront Centre)
