Decommunization in Ukraine: the documentary “Symbol and Freedom” on 1+1 Worldwide
The documentary “Symbol and Freedom” is now available for viewing on 1+1 Worldwide — the first Ukrainian streaming platform with FAST channels for international audiences.
The film is dedicated to a landmark moment in Ukraine’s decommunization process — the removal of the Soviet emblem from the “Motherland” monument in Kyiv.
Decommunization refers to the reevaluation of the communist regime’s legacy and the removal of its ideological elements from the symbolic space of post-Soviet countries. In Ukraine, decommunization began during the country’s path to independence and gained momentum with the adoption of relevant legislation in 2015. In August 2023, the Soviet hammer and sickle was removed from the shield of the tallest monumental sculpture in Europe (102 meters tall) — the “Motherland” monument in Kyiv — and replaced with the Tryzub, Ukraine’s Small State Emblem.
The authors of the film show the process of preparation and implementation of the project — documenting the work of architects, builders, welders and industrial climbers. These people in July-August 2023 worked at heights of over 90 meters even during air alarms to finally remove the Soviet coat of arms from one of Kyiv's most popular landmarks.
The project explores why shedding Soviet symbols is crucial for Ukraine, how this transformation affects Ukrainian identity, and how society reacted to the replacement of the Soviet emblem with the Tryzub.
Watch the documentary on the 1+1 Worldwide platform via the link or through the ROKU app.
The content is available in English with optional subtitles.
For reference:
1+1 Worldwide is the first Ukrainian platform with FAST channels for an international audience from 1+1 Media, and the app that offers documentary projects and thematic FAST channels 1+1 News and 1+1 Travel in English and Spanish for round-the-clock viewing.
