Kherson: Human Safari - Documentary film
Kherson: Human Safari is a Ukrainian-American war documentary directed by Zarina Zabrisky, a U.S. war correspondent. Released on June 27, 2025, the film chronicles the full story of Kherson, Ukraine, from the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022: the occupation, resistance, liberation, flooding, and ongoing destruction under daily attacks. The term "human safari" refers to Russia’s use of FPV drones to hunt and kill civilians, one of the central themes of the documentary.
The film highlights the resilience and defiance of Kherson’s residents while exposing war crimes against the civilian population.
Unlike traditional festival or theatrical releases, the filmmakers chose free online streaming and global screenings to raise immediate awareness of the critical situation in Kherson.
Synopsis
Kherson: Human Safari looks at life in Kherson during and after the Russian occupation. Through testimonies from residents and Ukrainian soldiers, the film documents:
- The Russian occupation (March–November 2022) and atrocities committed against civilians
- The civilian and military resistance to the invaders
- The liberation of Kherson in November 2022
- The catastrophic flooding of June 2023, caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam by Russian forces
- The daily attacks (drones, shelling) deliberately targeting civilians, referred to as "human safari" by locals
- The efforts to rebuild and the struggle to survive under constant threat
The film blends frontline footage, interviews, and scenes of daily life in a war-torn city, offering an intimate and raw portrayal of survival amid conflict.
Background
Zarina Zabrisky, a U.S.-based war correspondent of Ukrainian descent, has covered the war since 2014. For this documentary, she spent most of 2023–2025 in Kherson, often under enemy fire. Filming took place under extreme conditions, including power outages, bombardments, and constant risks for the crew.
The film was produced independently, with support from donors. Proceeds from donations and screenings were used for local humanitarian efforts, including evacuations of families (including disabled individuals and pets) from Korabel Island after the bridge was bombed, delivery of humanitarian aid (food, medicine) and purchase of drone detectors for Ukrainian forces.
Style and Reception
The documentary is noted for its immersive and emotional approach, combining investigative journalism with human storytelling. It has been praised for its:
- Authenticity: Unfiltered footage of the war
- Eotional impact: Powerful testimonies from survivors
- Call to action: A clear condemnation of Russian war crimes
On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 8.7/10 (as of May 27, 2026).
Distribution Strategy
The filmmakers chose free online streaming and global screenings to raise immediate awareness of the critical situation in Kherson instead of waiting for festival admissions or theatrical releases. The documentary is available via its website and streaming platforms such as MEGOGO (largest entertainment service in Eastern Europe, 55 million users).
Within two months, the film garnered over 100,000 views.
The documentary has been screened publicly in all continents and many countries, such as the United States, France, Germany, Ukraine and Australia).
Official screenings at:
- The MSC Cinema Series at the Munich Security Conference (2026), a prestigious event for global policymakers
- The EU–Ukraine Business Summit 2026
- The Carpathian Sea Democracy Week 2026
- Berlin Doxumentale Festival (November 2025)
- Melpomene Theater and Arts Festival in Mykolaiv (2025)
Institutional Support
The film received endorsements from:
- United24 (Official Platform of the Office of the President of Ukraine).
- Ukrainian Naval Forces / Armed Forces of Ukraine.
- Kherson Regional Military Administration.
- Razom for Ukraine.
Global Mobilization
The film inspired global protests:
From December 11–16, 2025, STOP HUMAN SAFARI / SAVE KHERSON demonstrations were held in 50 cities across five continents (Europe, North America, Oceania, Africa (South Africa) and Asia). These protests used excerpts from the film to condemn Russian attacks on civilians and demand international protection for Kherson.
Critical Reception
The documentary has been widely acclaimed by critics and public figures:
"Zabrisky managed to convey the inner sense of what’s happening in the city and the overall mood of its people." — Bishop Nicodemus of Kherson and Tavria.
"A film which is heartbreakingly artistic, original, moving, and too important to ignore." — Greg Palast, investigative journalist (The New York Times, BBC, The Observer).
"This is not just documentation. It is an indictment. A monument. A wound carried forward." — Christopher Burgess, former CIA officer.
"I'm asking everyone to watch this documentary: Zarina Zabrisky's inside view of a city under constant siege... It's remarkable." — Jen Stout, award-winning author (Night Train to Odesa).
"A must-see, extraordinary documentary. I’ve seen a lot of films & docs AbOUT Ukraine. This one is a breed apart... it conveys a certain majesty and grandeur, not unlike the one we experience with a great book or movie. A very rare and precious human tale." — Jacques Dupont, documentary filmmaker.
Media Coverage
The film has been covered by international media, including media from:
- United States: Dallas Morning News (August 9, 2025).
- Latvia: Latvian Public Media (August 20, 2025)
- Ukraine: Ukrinform (June 28, 2025), Suspilne Kherson (July 17 and September 1, 2025)
- France: Le Monde (October 1, 2025)
- Italy: Huffington Post (September 15, 2025)
- Australia: SBS Australia (Ukrainian Radio, September 13, 2025)
- Germany: Deutsche Welle (November 17, 2025)
- International: Ukraine World (August 21, 2025), Euromaidan Press (August 22, 2025), United24 (July 18, 2025).
See Also
Zarina Zabrisky