Film at the Institute: People of Steel

The main goal of the film is to ensure that those who are in captivity now will eventually be released and won’t be forgotten by the media. — Serhiy Fomenko

Film at the Institute, in partnership with the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America,  invites you to a screening of People of Steel (2025) on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the Ukrainian Institute of America. Directed and produced by musician Serhiy Fomenko, this new documentary showcases the heroic defense of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol and aims to draw international attention to the war in Ukraine and the urgent need for the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

After the screening, Serhiy Fomenko, frontman of the legendary Ukrainian band Mandry will perform a special live set, bringing his signature voice and spirit of Ukraine to the stage.

A light reception will follow the program. Advanced registration is requested.

Tickets:

$30 General Admission
$25 UIA Friends
$20 UIA Members

In the true story of People of Steel, Mariupol — an industrial strategic port city in the southeast of Ukraine—became the site of one of the bloodiest and most brutal battles of the war in Ukraine. Defending the city was the Mariupol garrison, which consisted of the special unit of “Azov,” including soldiers of the National Guard of Ukraine, marine brigades, board guards, police officers, volunteers from the Territorial Defense and paramedics. Through interviews with these regiment members and footage of the battles, Serhiy Fomenko tells their story.

This screening event is co-presented with the series of documentaries project Culture vs War and the Watch Ukrainian! Association.