The First Days

A unique drama anthology series for our time, inspired by true events which happened in Kyiv in the first few weeks after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. As the brutal war got underway, every second person left Kyiv. Yet every second person remained. These are their stories – variously moving, funny, sad, stark, unsettling, and uplifting.

DramaWar & Politics

Seasons

1. Family

Air Date: 2023-10-29

After her family home is destroyed, Olga has to co-exist in a small apartment with her husband, ex-husband and their children.

2. In The Zoo

Air Date: 2023-11-05

Max, a zoo employee from Ukraine, must find a way to help the animals he works with after the invasion by Russian troops results in a loss of electricity and food.

3. Homeless

Air Date: 2023-11-12

After fleeing war once, a homeless man who lives with his 10-year-old son decides to join his country's war effort but struggles to do so due to his lack of documents and identification.

4. Kyiv-Berlin

Air Date: 2023-11-19

A German surgeon visits Kyiv to rescue his girlfriend after war breaks out, only to find out that she refuses to leave. After being inspired to stay back and volunteer, he finds himself in a dangerous situation.

5. Moms

Air Date: 2023-11-26

During Russia's invasion, Egor, a seven-year-old Ukrainian boy, fights his fears with his imaginary friends while his mothers contemplate leaving the country.

6. A House with A Star

Air Date: 2023-12-03

A famous drag artist becomes a symbol of Ukrainian resistance after he decides to stay in Kyiv instead of fleeing war and starts live streaming every day.

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