In a heartfelt tribute to the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people, Cinema Salem is set to host a poignant event this February 24, 2024, marking the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This special occasion will feature the screening of “The Guide,” a powerful film that delves into a dark chapter of Ukrainian history during the 1930s, showcasing the brutal efforts of the Soviets to decimate the Ukrainian population, primarily through starvation.
Adding to the event’s significance, Anton Greene, the film’s co-star who portrayed the title role at the tender age of nine, will be gracing the occasion. Now a diligent undergraduate at the University of Michigan, Greene will be traveling to Boston especially to introduce the film and engage with the audience through a question-and-answer session. His presence promises to add a deeply personal touch to the commemoration, bridging past and present struggles for Ukrainian sovereignty and dignity.
Marshall Strauss, co-owner of Cinema Salem and a pivotal figure in bringing “The Guide” to international audiences, expressed his enthusiasm for Greene’s participation. “We are thrilled to have Anton introduce this anniversary screening. ‘The Guide’ personifies the suffering inflicted by Soviet and now Russian aggression on the Ukrainian people in a manner that’s both personal and profound,” Strauss remarked.
The event, scheduled for 1:00 pm, is open to all, free of charge, though attendees are encouraged to reserve their tickets in advance through the Cinema Salem website. In the spirit of solidarity, donations will be solicited, with all proceeds directed towards humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
About “The Guide”
Since its international debut at Cinema Salem on March 13, 2022, “The Guide” has captivated audiences across the globe. Following its premiere, it was screened in hundreds of cinemas in the United States, Canada, Australia, and The Netherlands during the spring of that year. To this day, the film’s reach continues to expand, with nearly 700 cinemas worldwide having shown it, collectively raising approximately $125,000 in the US alone for Ukrainian humanitarian relief. Learn more at standwithukrainethroughfilm.org
The film, shot in Ukraine in 2012 and released in 2014, narrates the harrowing tale of an American boy entangled in the devastating famine orchestrated by Stalin’s policies. “The Guide” was Ukraine’s official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 87th Academy Awards, standing as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the Ukrainian people.
Educational Impact
“The Guide” has also made its mark in the academic world, becoming a part of the curriculum at numerous universities across the United States. Institutions such as Arizona State University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Texas at Austin, among others, have included the film in their educational programs, highlighting its significance in understanding historical and contemporary issues facing Ukraine.
About Cinema Salem
Cinema Salem, nestled in the heart of downtown Salem, MA, is a cherished independent cinema that faced closure in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the passion and vision of Marshall Strauss and Elaine Gerdine, the cinema was purchased and revitalized, reopening its doors in the spring of 2021. Today, it stands as a beacon for film enthusiasts and a hub for community engagement.
For more details on the screening and to reserve your tickets, please visit www.cinemasalem.com.
Join us at Cinema Salem to honor the memory of those who have suffered, celebrate the undying spirit of Ukraine, and reflect on the power of film to illuminate the darkest chapters of human history.
Two years ago Cinema Salem started to raise awareness of this important issue.
