Kuzma, Freedom and Independence: A Film Screening That Touched Everyone

Kuzma, Freedom and Independence: A Film Screening That Touched Everyone
On 23 August 2026, ahead of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence, the Ukrainian Film Club in Estonia brought Ukrainians and their Estonian friends together at Kino Sõprus in Tallinn for a screening of the new documentary Kuzma: Terribly Funny.

The event was organised by the Association of Ukrainian Organizations in Estonia with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Estonia and the participation of the Ukrainian Song and Dance Ensemble “Volya”.

That day, cinema became much more than simply watching a film. The event was an opportunity to speak about independence and freedom, about the right of Ukrainians to determine their own future, speak their native language, and preserve their culture, history and national identity. It was also a reminder of the immense price Ukraine pays every day for the right to remain a free country.

Kuzma, Remembered and Loved
It was deeply symbolic that, on the eve of Ukraine’s Independence Day, Kuzma Skryabin appeared on the big screen — ironic, sincere, sometimes uncompromisingly direct, but always free and genuine.

Following the beginning of russia’s aggression in 2014, Kuzma spoke openly about the war and the threat posed by Russia. He supported Ukrainian service members, defended the Ukrainian language and culture, and reminded people that when the fate of their country is at stake, they cannot remain on the sidelines.

More than ten years have passed since his death, yet many of his words sound as though they were spoken specifically for us today.

Thanks to an extensive collection of unique archival materials, many of which had never been made public before, viewers sometimes felt as though Kuzma himself were telling his story. Silence filled the cinema, followed by tears as everyone remembered something personal. For some, Kuzma represents their youth. For others, his songs are inseparable from important moments in their lives. For many, he is a person whose words are only now revealing a new and deeper meaning.

This film truly touched everyone.

Remembrance, National Anthems and the Unity of Two Countries
Before the screening, those present observed a minute of silence in memory of the Ukrainian service members who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of Ukraine, as well as the civilians whose lives have been taken by russia’s war.

A particularly moving moment of the evening was the performance of the national anthems of Ukraine and Estonia by the Ukrainian Song and Dance Ensemble “Volya”.

This August symbolically united our two countries: on 20 August, Estonia celebrated the 35th anniversary of the restoration of its independence, while on 24 August, Ukraine marked 35 years of independence.

Estonia understands the price of freedom and restored statehood. Today, as Ukraine continues its fight for freedom, we especially value the fact that the Estonian people continue to stand with us.

Recognition for the Volya Ensemble
A representative of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Estonia addressed the guests. In her speech, she spoke about the special significance of the blue-and-yellow flag for Ukrainians — as a symbol of home, freedom, struggle and return.

The Embassy representative thanked Estonia and the Estonian people for their unwavering support of Ukraine. She also encouraged guests to support the UNITED24 fundraising campaign for intensive care ambulances for Ukrainian medical teams and to visit the photographic exhibition Chasiv Yar. Fireproof by Ukraine’s 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo in Tallinn.

During the event, the Ukrainian Song and Dance Ensemble “Volya” and its artistic director, Anastasiia Kozachok, received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Estonia in recognition of their many years of work, their contribution to preserving Ukrainian culture and their dignified representation of Ukraine in Estonia.

“A Peaceful Sky Is Our Shared Responsibility”
Ahead of Ukraine’s Independence Day, the Association of Ukrainian Organizations in Estonia also joined the international campaign “A Peaceful Sky Is Our Shared Responsibility”, initiated by the international Strichka community together with Ukrainian communities and partner organisations in different countries.

As long as russian missiles and drones continue to attack Ukrainian cities every day, protecting Ukraine’s skies remains a shared responsibility. Strong Ukrainian air defence protects not only our people but also makes an important contribution to the security of Europe as a whole.

Why We Come Together
The screening once again reminded us why the Ukrainian Film Club has been bringing Ukrainians together in cinemas across Estonia for the past three and a half years.

We come here not only to watch Ukrainian films. We come to remember who we are, hear our native language, share emotions, maintain our connection with Ukraine and tell others about it.

We sincerely thank the Volya Ensemble and its leaders for creating such a special atmosphere during the evening.

We thank Natalia Shevchenko, Denis Priimagi, Inna Vnukova, Tetiana Kharuzheva and Svitlana Priimagi for organising and hosting the event, and Oleksandr Storozhuk for the wonderful photographs.

We thank the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Estonia for supporting the Ukrainian Film Club and Kino Sõprus for its hospitality and many years of cooperation.

Most of all, we thank our audience — for filling the cinema, for the tears and smiles, for the heartfelt applause, and for continuing to watch Ukrainian cinema together with us year after year.

Even when we are far from Ukraine, together we preserve the feeling of home.

Next Screening in Tartu
Kuzma: Terribly Funny continues its journey across Estonia.

The next screening will take place at Tartu Elektriteater on 12 September 2026 at 3:00 p.m.

https://fienta.com/kuzma-terribly-funny

We invite Ukrainians and Estonian friends living in Tartu and the surrounding towns to watch this special film together.