“We will definitely talk to [our Ukrainian Classmates] more, now we know a little more about the situation because we have just seen this documentary. We have a better understanding of how they feel and we can talk to them about it.”
- Kaja, Øster Skole, Hjorring.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, schools across Europe have welcomed new Ukrainian students, many of whom are struggling with the extremely difficult transition they have had to make.

With this in mind, ASK WHY? Docs made it a priority this season to screen a film focusing on the war to help student empathise with their new classmates. The team has been touring Denmark with Oscar-nominated filmmaker Simon Lereng Wilmont and his documentary Oleg's War.

The film (original title The Distant Barking of Dogs) is set in Eastern Ukraine on the frontline of the war and follows the life of 10-year-old Oleg throughout a year, witnessing the gradual erosion of his innocence under the pressure of war.

Oleg's War is one of nine films teaching students about issues like migration, LGBTQ+ issues, modern slavery, and radicalisation.

With new funding from Nordea Fonden and Syddanmarks Kulturpulje, we look forward to seeing an even greater impact from ASK WHY? Docs in 2023!