Oleg and the War (2017)

• 78%
• 2017
• Documentary
• War
• Simon Lereng Wilmont

Oleg and the War is the children's version of the award winning film 'The Distant Barking of Dogs'. Ten-year-old Oleg lives in warzone Ukraine with his loving Grandmother. He often plays with his younger cousin Yarik and older neighbour Kostya. The children find joy in everyday adventures - constantly laughing, exploring, playing - doing what kids do. They don't realize that their playgrounds are different from what other children have. They play in abandoned soldier warehouses, where mines and bullets scatter the floor. Instead of playing with a toy football, they play with a hardball gun. Oleg and his friends learn that their 'toys' can be dangerous, and their games might have real consequences. This observational film follows a year in the life of Oleg, highlighting how children can still have fun despite frightening circumstances. Even though bombs scare the children, they learn to be brave and strong. By sticking close to Oleg, the film captures how Oleg adjusts to life in a war-zone, becoming resilient and mature beyond his years.