FLOWERS OF UKRAINE

Mrs. Natalia, 67, lives on a plot of land in Kyiv where she was born, raised her children, and hopes to spend the rest of her life. Surrounded by a rapidly expanding housing development of multi-story blocks, she fiercely resists the developers who threaten her home. Like the last of her kind, Natalia refuses to let corporations encroach on her land, opposing even the construction of an underground parking garage. Undaunted by the constant presence of bulldozers trying to intimidate her, she boldly confronts them head-on.
Her plot may appear dishevelled, with makeshift infrastructure resembling a temporary shelter, yet for Natalia, it is paradise. She raises chickens, goats, and grows beautiful flowers, turning her land into a peaceful oasis—a symbol of independence and, most importantly, freedom. To those who live in her “queendom,” it is more than just land; it’s a sanctuary.
Although her children, scattered around the world, urge her to sell the land and move into a comfortable apartment in Kyiv, she remains steadfast in her refusal. When war breaks out, Natalia stands her ground, defending not only her home but also her city. As Kyiv stabilises, she becomes actively involved in the citizen movement to help rebuild the city.
Her story serves as a powerful metaphor for the resilience and strength of the Ukrainian nation. Natalia doesn’t wait passively for liberation; she takes action, even crafting Molotov cocktails in her personal fight for survival. Despite the overwhelming odds, she remains full of optimism, often laughing and cracking jokes – facing every challenge with humour on her path to victory.

Festivals & Awards:

Dovzhenko State Prize of Ukraine – Nominee, 2026
Ukrainian Film Critics Awards – Nominee, 2025
FIFDH Geneva – Vision for Human Rights Award Nominee, 2025
Big Sky Documentary Film Festival – Best Feature Documentary Nominee, 2025
DOK Leipzig – Golden Dove Nominee, 2024
Créteil International Women's Film Festival – Grand Prix, 2024
Molodist Kyiv International Film Festival – Grand Prix, 2024
WATCH DOCS International Film Festival – Winner, 2024
São Paulo International Film Festival, 2024
Krakow Film Festival, 2024

Director: Adelina Borets. Writer: Adelina Borets, Glib Lukianets, Marta Molfar. Camera: Bogdan Borysenko, Bogdan Rozumnyi. Sound: Agata Cierniak, Mateusz Wojtynski. Editing: Oleg Kulchytskyi, Denis Kaschey. Music: DakhaBrakha. Production: Gogol Film. Producer: Glib Lukianets. Co-Production: Koskino, Gogol Vertigo, TVP, DI Factory.

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Adelina Borets