The Ukrainian flag will be flown over County Hall in Dorchester on Monday 24 August to mark 35 years since Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
The annual occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate Ukraine’s rich culture and heritage while recognising the resilience and courage shown by the Ukrainian people. It is also a chance for communities across Dorset to come together in solidarity with those affected by the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainians who have made their home in Dorset will be marking Independence Day through a range of local gatherings across the county. On 8 August, the Ukrainian Group ‘Grains of Hope’ performed at the One World Festival and on 6 September from 1pm till 3pm, a screening of “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors” by Sergii Parajonev will take place at the Corn Exchange in Dorchester. The film will be shown in Ukrainian with English Subtitles.
Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors is widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements of Ukrainian cinema and a landmark of world film history. Released in 1965, its ground-breaking visual style, innovative cinematography and poetic storytelling transformed cinematic language and brought international recognition to Ukrainian culture. The film received major international awards, including the Critics’ Grand Prize and the Special Jury Award at the 1965 Mar del Plata International Film Festival, and continues to be celebrated by leading film institutions around the world as a timeless masterpiece.
The screening forms part of the international “Empowered UA” Film Marathon, marking Ukraine’s Independence Day. The initiative presents Ukrainian documentary and feature films in dozens of cities across the world, using cinema to introduce international audiences to Ukraine’s culture, history and the stories of people shaping the country’s future. Registration and Entrance to the screening is free. To register, please contact tetiana.kocherhina@helpandkindness.co.uk or info@as-onetheatre.co.uk
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Dorset has welcomed over 1200 people fleeing the conflict with hundreds still living in the county and some requiring ongoing hosting or alternative accommodation arrangements.
Chair of Dorset Council, Cllr Stella Jones MBE, said:
“Ukraine Independence Day is an important opportunity to celebrate the strength, culture and spirit of the Ukrainian people. Across Dorset, we have witnessed extraordinary generosity from residents who have opened their homes, provided support and helped families rebuild their lives in our communities.
As we fly the Ukrainian flag over County Hall, we stand in solidarity with those whose lives have been affected by the conflict and reaffirm our commitment to welcoming and supporting those who have sought refuge here.”
As the war continues, Dorset Council is appealing for more host families and accommodation providers to come forward. Many Ukrainians already living in the county need to move on from their initial sponsorship arrangements or are seeking more independent accommodation.
If you are interested in hosting, have a property to let or could offer formal lodging arrangements, then please contact the council at ukraineresponse@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
For more information about the Homes for Ukraine scheme and how you can help, please visit the Dorset Council Homes for Ukraine webpages.
