National Cinematography as a Response to Russian Information Aggression (A Case Study of Historical and Patriotic Films)

Abstract

The article reveals the influence of Russian information propaganda on cultural industries of Ukraine, in particular film making, and describes place and role of contemporary Ukrainian cinematography as a “soft power” in counteracting humanitarian expansion of the Russian Federation, as a factor having an influence on mass consciousness and social attitudes of Ukrainians, as means of counter-propaganda and construction of all-Ukrainian identity and formation of consolidated political nation as a whole. The author has studied the state of national cinematography during 2014–2021, analyzed the reasons which hindered its development and described public and state legislative initiatives directed at support and development of cinematography. The most popular Ukrainian historical and patriotic fiction and documentary films are examined and their role in counteracting Russia’s propaganda is defined.The article contains analysis of anti-Ukrainian films produced in the Russian Federation, annexed Crimea, and quasi-states "Donetsk People’s Republic" and "Luhansk People’s Republic"; reveals essential features of its information and psychological impact; defines manipulative techniques and methods. On the basis of analysis of Russian propaganda films, the author made a conclusion about portraying a negative image of Ukraine and broad usage of messages about the “unconstitutional coups d'etat”, “Kyiv regime” that fights against population of Donbas. We may see such negative narratives as: Ukrainians are “junta”, “fascists”, “Banderites”, “hardcore nationalists”, who fight against “common people” and “miners”. Russian propaganda concerning Crimea includes, first of all, creation of illusory picture which justifies Russia’s annexation of Crimea before the world, with meaning that this process was “inevitable” and “historically justified”.Ukrainian cinematography is considered as efficient means of opposing Russian information aggression, formation of patriotic feelings of Ukrainian people, and their aspiration for historical truth and justice. State system policy on counteracting propaganda has caused a powerful development of national cinematography, which pays considerable attention to making and promoting historical and patriotic fiction and documentary films.