In 19th Century Ukraine, the young poet Taras Shevchenko is writing what are considered to be seditious poems by the government in St. Petersburg. He is therefore summoned for interrogation by his Russian masters. But instead of providing explanations to the occupiers, Taras composes ever more poems about and devoted to the bleak fate of Ukraine. Because of this outrageous behavior, Shevchenko is informed by the military authorities that he will no longer be permitted to write and draw. This film tells the story of the poet during those days, as well as his memories of his years in serfdom and the hardships faced by his land and its people.

DVD-R has both Ukrainian and Russian audio tracks with switchable English subtitles. Approx. 91 mins. See film sample for audio and video quality!