The Logline

Russia’s full-scale invasion has put extreme pressure on Ukrainian vintners and farmers to produce while missiles explode in their fields

The Synopsis

WOUNDED LAND

Traveling across war-torn Ukraine, we tell the stories of Ukrainian vintners and farmers who, against all odds, remain actively producing during wartime, and protect their country. They help as volunteers or fight as soldiers while defending their land, which the Russian armed forces are destroying. Before the invasion, some were building their businesses, but today they are forced to work even harder to keep their entrepreneurial spirit alive.

Directed by Roman Zajac
Cinematography by Andriy Semenyuk
Film Editing by Artem Turchenko
Produced by Roman Zajac,
                        Andriy Semenyuk
Executive Producer Scott Marshutz

The Proposal

WOUNDED LAND 2

Wounded Land (2022) tells the story of Ukraine’s winemakers, and their determination to continue with production amidst the terror and destruction of the Russian invasion. The film was received to wide acclaim and, in 2023, was the winner of the Grand Prix Award at Spain’s prestigious Most Wine International Festival.

 

Yet their story does not end there. As the war drags on, winemakers face not only destruction of their lands but death of loved ones and the heartbreaking uncertainty of survival of their country and way of life. In 2024 we hope to begin production on Wounded Land 2. We will travel to southern Ukraine, the country’s most important wine region and site of some of the most devastating impacts of the war. Wounded Land 2 will chronicle the wide destruction of Ukraine’s vineyards, the efforts to rebuild, and the growing international interest in Ukrainian wines.

 

Rising from the ashes – Ukraine’s oldest winery

 

When the Russians blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam, surrounding agricultural lands were largely destroyed. Wounded Land 2 will tell the story of this devastation and of Ukraine’s oldest winery, Prince Trubetskoi. The winery suffered irreparable damage to its historic château and vineyards and was forced to cease operation. Today, vintners have persevered to rebuild and will soon resume wine production under the brand Stoic Winery. 

Mines to Vines Project

 

Today, Ukraine has the dubious distinction of being the country with the most landmines in the world, thanks to the Russian invasion. The minefield areas in Ukraine cover about 250,000 kilometers (the size of Great Britain). A horrifying 40 percent of Ukraine is now a fatal threat to human and animal life. 

 

Wounded Land 2 will examine the Mines to Vines Project and its significant ongoing efforts to de-mine agricultural lands in southern Ukraine. Mines to Vines is part of an international project in Ukraine, helping farmers there to de-mine vineyards and orchards and revitalize agriculture.

 

The future and survival

 

In an ironic twist of fate, the Russian war against Ukraine propelled Ukrainian winemakers to explore international markets more vigorously and to secure their place in the world as producers of premium wines. Since the war began, Ukrainian winemakers have participated in numerous competitions, winning awards, and praises from wine connoisseurs.

 

Wounded Land 2 will highlight the amazing success of the Shabo and Beykush wineries in the Odesa region. The wineries, two of Ukraine’s largest, have so far survived the war intact and are currently leading premium wine production in the country. They have been recognized with over 500 awards and are now exporting their wines to over 50 countries.

 

As much of the world knows now, the determination, resiliency and bravery of the Ukrainian people is awe-inspiring. The country’s winemakers exemplify this. Their fight and hopes for a democratic future and for their homeland are integral parts of the story we will tell in Wounded Land 2. Despite all, it is the story of hope.

Pelicula

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