Orange Revolution - Documentary
Ukrainian Citizens Protest Election Fraud in 2007 Film by Steve York
Steve York's 2007 documentary film, "Orange Revolution," takes viewers through the key events of Ukraine's fraudulent 2004 Presidential election leading to mass protests.
Released in 2007, the lively, award-winning documentary film “Orange Revolution” is a shocking look at Ukraine’s controversial 2004 Presidential election. Filmmaker Steve York examines how a corrupt regime attempted to fix the election by any means possible, including attempted murder. Ukrainian citizens responded by taking to the streets in a continuous series of mass protests that became known as the Orange Revolution.
Election Background
The 2004 Ukrainian Presidential election evolved into a contest between Viktor Yanukovych, supported by the corrupt regime of President Leonid Kuchma, and opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko. The extremely popular Yushchenko, backed by the “Orange” democratic forces, was viewed by Kuchma’s regime as a legitimate threat to win the election.
In the midst of the campaign, Yushchenko mysteriously fell ill. Medical diagnosis later revealed the illness to be caused by dioxin poisoning (though the film references ricin). Evidence revealed high-ranking government officials were involved in the poisoning, possibly even Kuchma himself.
Electoral Fraud
The election extended over two rounds of voting. Exit polls from each round indicated Yushchenko as the clear victor. However, when official results were released, Yushchenko narrowly won the first round without a majority, and lost the second round by three percent, the exact margin predicted by Yanukovych’s campaign.
Demonstrations and Protests
Recognizing widespread election fraud, the “Orange” political leaders called for public demonstrations, and Kyiv’s Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti) became the center of activity. The protests lasted several weeks, and at their height, crowds swelled to approximately 500,000 participants. Many of the demonstrators did not support any particular candidate - they opposed Kuchma’s regime and wanted to participate in a fair election to determine their next president.
Who Was the People’s Choice for President?
Following Yushchenko’s loss in the second round of voting, the democratic, “Orange” opposition filed a lawsuit with Ukraine’s Supreme Court, alleging election fraud. After reviewing the evidence, the Court, acknowledging it was impossible to determine the people’s choice for president, invalidated the election results. In the third and final round of voting, Yushchenko, with almost 52% of the vote, defeated Yanukovych by 8%.
Did The People Actually Save Their Vote?
Advertising for the film “Orange Revolution” claims the Ukrainian people saved their vote. However, it was only after Ukraine’s Supreme Court considered election observers’ evidence of fraud that they invalidated the second round election results. The protests most likely had no influence on the Court justices’ decision.
Whether a direct influence or not, the demonstrations were still extremely important. In snow and freezing temperatures, the Ukrainian people came together to make their collective voices be heard - a sure sign of grassroots democracy in action. With gatherings in Independence Square, at the Presidential Administration, and marches on Parliament, the people sent a definitive message to the Kuchma regime. Most important, the demonstrations were an inspiration for the “Orange” leaders.
York's Vision of the Revolution
The majority of protest scenes were filmed in and around Kyiv’s Independence Square. “Orange” leaders Yushchenko and his ally Yulia Tymoshenko shared a central stage with some of Ukraine’s leading and lesser-known rock groups and singers. The music helped unify the masses and contributed to the peaceful protests.
The 106-minute film contains mostly archival footage and interviews. York used a small digital camera to shoot his own footage of the demonstrations. These scenes added great depth to the film, allowing viewers to become part of the action.
It would be impossible for a two-hour film to cover all events related to this historic event. York chose to include highlights that provide a comprehensive overview of the election and subsequent demonstrations, while revealing the ruthlessness of a corrupt regime, and their attempts to steal the election.
Orange Revolution Movie Official Website
