Cinema Salem To Screen Free Ukraine 'Soldiers of Song' Music Documentary

SALEM, MA — The public is invited to attend the free screening of a documentary on how music has helped unite Ukraine during the destruction of the Russian invasion at Cinema Salem this weekend.

The Witch City Mall theater will host the screening of "Soldiers of Song" with help from Salem State University's Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, in partnership with the university's interdisciplinary studies and music and dance departments.

The screening is set for Saturday from 12:15 to 2:15 p.m. with pre-registration required.

The 2024 documentary follows the journey of a group of Ukrainian musicians as they unite their nation through the transformative power of music. Soldiers of Song intertwines the stories of several artists as they share their deeply personal experiences of resilience, hope, and defiance.

The screening will close with a pre-recorded conversation with film director and producer Ryan Smith. The interview was produced by Salem State following the film's debut last year.

"Soldiers of Song reminds us of the humanity behind music and the power of human resilience in the worst situations," said Regina Kazyulina, assistant director of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies. "The film focuses not just on these stories of resilience, but also the power of music to unite and move communities forward in trying times."

Salem State interdisciplinary studies professor Greg Carroll and secondary and higher education professor emeritus Allan Shwedel worked to bring the screening to the Witch City.