The Distant Barking of Dogs

A beautiful, powerful film from the frontlines of war-torn Ukraine. The Distant Barking of Dogs is a story of what life is like for a child under the threat of war, told with great poetry and empathy. Ten-year-old Oleg lives in the eastern part of Ukraine — a warzone that often echoes with anti-aircraft fire and missile strikes. Sometimes these sounds are in the distance, while other times they’re frighteningly close. While many have already left this dangerous area, Oleg remains with his grandmother, who has taken care of him since the death of his mother. They have nowhere else to go. While waiting for the war to end, Oleg enjoys hanging out with his younger cousin Yarik and the older boy Kostia. Together they go on adventures, talk about what makes a real man, test each other’s boundaries — but sometimes they go too far. This observational film follows a year in the life of Oleg, and emphasises the warm bond he has with his grandmother. By sticking close to Oleg, The Distant Barking of Dogs shows the effect of conflict on children.