Katheryn Winnick Shares About Ukraine Holodomor Genocide Interview: A Poignant Story and a Call to Remember History!

Hello fans of history, cinema, and deeply human stories! Today, I want to introduce you to a profoundly moving 2017 interview where Katheryn Winnick—the talented actress of Ukrainian descent—opened up about the Holodomor, the genocidal famine in Ukraine orchestrated by Stalin from 1932-1933. This conversation took place at the London premiere of “Bitter Harvest”, and it’s not just a film promotion but a vital history lesson, urging the world to remember millions of innocent victims. If you’re a fan of Winnick from Vikings or care about Eastern European history, this is an unmissable video!

Who Is Katheryn Winnick and Why Is She Connected to the Holodomor?

Katheryn Winnick, born on December 17, 1977, in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada, is the daughter of Ukrainian immigrants. She grew up speaking Ukrainian as her first language, only learning English at age 8. With Ukrainian roots running deep, Winnick is not only an actress and director but also a professional martial artist (black belt in Taekwondo by age 13) and a social advocate. She gained global fame as Lagertha, the fierce Viking warrior in Vikings (2013-2020), embodying strength and feminism. Beyond that, she’s starred in projects like Big Sky, Wu Assassins, and notably, in 2023, she spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as an ambassador for the United24 fund supporting Ukraine.

Winnick’s personal connection to Ukraine makes her a powerful voice in raising awareness about the Holodomor—one of the 20th century’s most concealed atrocities. As a descendant of survivors from the Stalin era, she has leveraged her platform to tell this story through cinema, particularly in “Bitter Harvest” (2017), the first English-language film to depict the Holodomor.

What Is the Holodomor and the Role of “Bitter Harvest”?

The Holodomor (literally “death by hunger” in Ukrainian) was a man-made famine engineered by the Soviet regime under Joseph Stalin from 1932-1933 to crush Ukrainian resistance. Stalin confiscated seeds, food supplies, and blocked aid, leading to the deaths of at least 3-7 million Ukrainians (a quarter of the population at the time) from starvation, disease, and torture. Recognized as genocide by over 20 countries, including Ukraine, Canada, and the U.S., it remains denied by Russia to this day. The Holodomor was not just a famine but a political tool to eradicate Ukrainian culture and identity.

“Bitter Harvest”, directed by George Mendeluk (also of Ukrainian descent), is the first English-language historical-romance film to portray this tragedy. It follows Yuri (Max Irons), a young artist, and Natalka (Samantha Barks), his childhood love, amidst Ukraine’s devastation by famine. They fight to survive and resist Stalin’s brutality, with visceral scenes of mass death, betrayal, and fleeting hope. Katheryn Winnick plays Olga, a resilient Ukrainian woman symbolizing the generation of mothers protecting their families in a living hell. The film intertwines a love story with the strength of national spirit, drawing from real historical events and survivor accounts.

Interview Highlights: Emotional Insights from the London Premiere (February 24, 2017)

Conducted by Red Carpet News TV at the “Bitter Harvest” London premiere, this 5-7 minute interview is concise yet profound. Winnick appeared radiant in an elegant black dress, her voice warm yet emotional when discussing her family’s legacy. Here’s a comprehensive summary of key moments (based on the video and related sources):

1. Personal Connection to the Holodomor:

• Winnick shared that her family hails from Ukraine, and her grandmother recounted harrowing stories from the Stalin era. “I grew up hearing about the Holodomor from my family. It’s not just history—it’s part of me. This film is a way to honor those who were lost and wake the world to forgotten atrocities,” she said. She emphasized that speaking Ukrainian as a child deepened her understanding of her nation’s pain.

1. Role in “Bitter Harvest” and Production Process:

• As a key cast member, Winnick described filming in Ukraine and Canada, recreating ravaged villages. “Olga represents the strength of Ukrainian women—she fights to protect her children amidst famine. I studied historical records and met descendants of survivors to make the role authentic.” She praised co-stars Max Irons and Samantha Barks for their chemistry and director Mendeluk for turning tragedy into inspiration.

1. Importance of Raising Awareness and Call to Action:

• Winnick urged viewers to read books like Harvest of Sorrow by Robert Conquest for deeper understanding. “The Holodomor was hidden too long by the Kremlin. This film aims to do for the Holodomor what ‘Schindler’s List’ did for the Holocaust—bring the story to the world. History repeats if we forget.” She also connected to Ukraine’s modern struggles (though pre-2022 war), highlighting the Ukrainian spirit’s resilience.

1. Career Updates: From Vikings to Future Projects:

• The interview touched on Season 4 of Vikings, where Lagertha was evolving into a more complex leader. Winnick laughed about balancing her Viking warrior role with a historical Ukrainian character. She shared her passion for directing (later directing Vikings episodes) and upcoming projects like The Marksman. “Acting is how I tell stories—from fantasy to real history.”

The short but powerful video captures Winnick choking up as she recalls her ancestors, balanced with her optimistic smile—a testament to her vitality.

Why You Should Watch It Today?

Though “Bitter Harvest” received mixed reviews (due to its heavy tragic tone), Winnick’s performance and the historical message make it significant, especially amid Ukraine’s ongoing struggles. This interview is more than a film promotion—it’s a reminder of human rights and the fight against forgetting. If you love historical films like Schindler’s List or heroic stories from Vikings, this video will touch your heart!

What are your thoughts on the Holodomor and the role of cinema in retelling history? Is Winnick a true “hero” for this cause? Share your thoughts below! 🇺🇦 #Holodomor #BitterHarvest #KatherynWinnick #UkraineHistory