School without walls

Ukraine has rightly captured the world’s attention since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Most of the news has focused on the military fighting, the humanitarian crisis, and international relations. Less is said about the ideology behind the invasion and the role of education in this conflict. “School Without Walls” examines the current state of the education system and the historical reforms taking place in times of war. By following the micro-characters of courageous teachers and deeply analyzing the education system by authorities, academics, and non-profits, the film delves into the dark corners of the educational struggle. Putin’s misuse of history, the introduction of a unified history textbook, and systematic attacks on education are the result of an old strategy that has its roots in the times of the Tsars. The Russian military is purposefully destroying Ukrainian educational institutions, and state authorities are denying Ukrainian identity and the right to exist as a nation. These actions are motivated by the knowledge that education is a powerful weapon that they use to impose their views on past, present, and future generations. But the resilience of the Ukrainian people shows what a nation can achieve when united in an effort to change its destiny. This film tells a story that, while only marginally covered by major international newspapers, challenges the world to look deeper.

Location : Smile Cinema