On Revolution and Family

REVOLUTION: In the Ukrainian capital Kyiv (Kiev) a peaceful protest movement in favor of closer ties to the European Union turned into an anti-government revolution after security forces violently dispersed hundreds of peaceful protesters in the early morning hours of November 30, 2013. Over a three-month period, the Ukrainian government, led by the now deposed former president Viktor Yanukovych, passed draconian laws essentially outlawing any kind of gatherings and increased the use of brutal tactics against demonstrators. These included kidnappings, torture, murder and violent police crackdowns. The government used professional well-armed specialized police forces who had a multitude of weapons at their disposal, such as: tear gas, stun grenades that fragment and wound people, modified stun grenades to create more shrapnel, rubber bullets, armored vehicles, snipers and Kalashnikovs. They faced demonstrators who had handmade shields and makeshift weapons such as clubs, broken cobblestones, fireworks, and Molotov cocktails. Over 100 demonstrators were killed, most of them shot by snipers. It is unknown exactly how many demonstrators were wounded during clashes with police forces, but the number is likely in the thousands. The Ukrainian protest movement was successful and ushered in an interim pro-European government as Viktor Yanukovych and his corrupt inner circle fled the country. An early presidential election was held in May 2014, in which Petro Poroshenko, a pro-European politician and businessman was elected president. FAMILY: This is the story of a family in Odesa, Ukraine. Sasha, Ira, and their daughter Masha are the lead characters in my ongoing documentation. This is not a story of quick change or fast healing. The story progresses slowly, yet captures moments of family life and dynamics that cover a variety of situations and emotions. Sasha and Ira were both diagnosed HIV-positive in the late 1990s. Several days after I met them in 2001, Ira gave birth to her sixth child Masha. A year later they were informed of Masha’s HIV-positive status. Ira has had 3 more children since Masha’s birth. Currently 11 children (including 3 grandchildren) live with them in their small home. Their children range in age from 4 to 20 years old. Masha, who turned 13 years old in August, is their only child who is HIV-positive. Watching her grow is not only a testament to her personal strength, but also a way to observe the program that gives her free antiretroviral therapy, which keeps her healthy and alive. In Sasha’s case, his health has fluctuated over the years even though he receives antiretroviral therapy. This story long ago expanded into a narrative that examines family more than it documents illness. HIV infection was a death sentence not long ago, particularly in emerging economies like Ukraine. That has changed. For those who receive antiretroviral therapy life goes on almost normally.