IMAGINE FEST: Fighting for Kherson by photojournalist Lev Radin
On November 11, 2022, the city of Kherson was liberated from Russian occupation. Once home to over 300,000 residents, less than a quarter of its population remains today, as the toll of war continues to devastate the region.
In the aftermath of liberation, the city has endured the destruction of countless residential buildings and businesses, both large and small. The scars of war are still visible—many residents faced brutal torture during the occupation, and the reminders of their suffering remain.
Despite its freedom, Kherson continues to be targeted by Russian forces. Shelling from across the Dnipro River has become a grim reality, with hundreds of artillery rounds fired at the city in so-called “retaliation” for its return to Ukrainian control.
This presentation will showcase both the celebrations of liberation and the tragic realities faced on the streets of Kherson today. For those who recall the devastation of WWII, the scenes may evoke the horrors that German Nazis inflicted upon the Soviet Union, including this very region—Ukraine.
Lev Radin is a New York-based photographer specializing in editorial work. His portfolio spans news, sports, and entertainment, capturing the vibrant pulse of the city and beyond. Notable achievements include exhibitions at NYU and accolades from MOAB Paper, among others. His photography has been featured in major publications such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, The Guardian, and Reuters. Radin’s coverage of the January 6 insurrection in Washington, DC, garnered significant attention, appearing on the covers of Newsweek and Washington Post Magazine, and continues to be widely published. His dedication to justice took him to the front lines in Ukraine in 2023. As a resident photojournalist at the United Nations, Radin has photographed numerous world leaders and politicians. His passion for sports is evident in his work covering events like the US Open tennis, various soccer and boxing tournaments, and the Tokyo Olympics during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Jersey City Theater Center