The Zelensky Story
Editor: Nazim Kadri-Zade (episode 3 of 3)
Airing: Wednesday 4th September @ 9pm on BBC 2
The Zelensky Story is a 3 part documentary series telling the story of Zelensky as you’ve never seen him before. It charts Zelensky’s journey from young actor and entertainer to one of the most recognisable leaders on the planet, presiding over a nation at war with Vladimir Putin’s Russia. With extraordinary access to President Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska, who speak in unguarded terms about their extraordinary lives.
Nazim Kadri-Zade edited episode 3 which opens in the first hours of the Russian invasion. This final episode explores how Zelensky used the skills he’d honed as an entertainer to galvanise people, as well as taking viewers inside Ukraine’s peace negotiations with Russia. And the Zelenskys reveal what happened in the first hours of the Russian invasion, and open up about the realities of living through war and the difficulty of making life-and-death decisions.
Nazim shared with us what it was like to work on this series…
“It was a remarkable project to be part of. Editing the third episode was both a privilege and a challenge. Being from Ukraine myself, I felt an even greater responsibility to handle the story with care. The emotional depth, particularly Zelensky’s transformation from comedian to wartime leader, required a careful balance of pacing and sensitivity.
Working with such powerful interviews and archive footage, I aimed to craft a narrative that not only told the story but captured the intensity and humanity behind it. Every cut was designed to keep the audience connected to both the personal and political dimensions of his journey. This project was the result of excellent teamwork and collaboration with the entire production team at 72 Films, and I’m proud of what we achieved together.”
The Guardian Review: “you can feel the humanity radiating from the Ukrainian president”
