The Distant Barking of Dogs

Screening followed by a discussion with filmmaker Simon Lereng Wilmont and Rachel Denber, Deputy Director, Europe and Central Asia Division, Human Rights Watch.

The life of a 10-year-old includes a healthy dose of curiosity and adventure. But the days of Oleg, who lives in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine—just minutes from where Ukrainian and pro-Russian forces are at war—are often interrupted by echoes of anti-aircraft fire and missile strikes. Oleg and his cousin Yarik’s play fights and restlessness often lead them towards dangerous discoveries. But as this touching and intimate film evolves, we bear witness to the unique pressures that come with living adjacent to a war zone and the gradual erosion of innocence under intense psychological burdens. As the world shakes around them, the beauty of childhood friendship becomes ever more important for survival. This film is fully subtitled and ASL interpretation will be provided for the Q&A. New York Premiere