We hacked the tallest European statue, the iconic Motherland Monument, with the help of drones by attaching a huge rainbow flag to its sword in real-time. The statue’s symbolism was transformed – from the protection of Soviet values to human rights protection and raising awareness on gender equality.
This ad by KyivPride, created by Saatchi & Saatchi Ukraine, transforms the Motherland Monument in Kyiv into a powerful symbol of equality. In a bold act, a drone attaches a giant rainbow flag to the statue’s sword, visibly altering its symbolism from Soviet heritage to embracing LGBTQ+ rights. The footage intersperses scenes of the monument with reactions from diverse public figures, including members of the parliament and stand-up comedians. Media coverage of the event spreads rapidly, both locally and globally, highlighting the social and cultural impact of the stunt. The ad conveys a strong message of visibility, change, and empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community in Ukraine, especially during a year when traditional Pride events were canceled. By creatively using the monument, the campaign significantly enhances awareness and sparks a nationwide discussion on human rights.