Following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in March 2014, an armed conflict erupted in Eastern Ukraine between pro-Russian separatists and the Ukrainian government. A mile from the war zone in Donbass lies the small village of Hnutove, a home to 10-year-old boy Oleg and his cousin Yarik. Oleg, Yarik and their grandmother are among few civilians left in the village. Although Oleg does regular kids activities, his childhood is interrupted by the nonstop sound of missiles striking in the distance. On some days the sound is louder, on others - stronger. Nevertheless, Oleg and his family live in constant fear. Learning about weaponry, bomb shelters and landmines at school, Oleg’s becoming desensitized to the conflict. Or is he just good at hiding it? Shot in scenic cinema verite style, Distant Barking of Dogs reveals the tragic consequences of war on a child’s psyche. - Anastasia Akulinina
Screening with My Country is Missing
Post-screening Q&A with director Simon Lereng Wilmont via Skype.