The festival, initiated by the European Union National Institutes for Culture in China (EUNIC China), took place from October 12 to December 7, 2025. It brings together EU cultural institutions in China for a shared dialogue on contemporary social challenges.
In addition to the declared theme of the festival, the Ukrainian screening took on a deeper meaning: it told a story about humanity, resilience, and the power of volunteering with which Ukrainians respond to Russia’s armed aggression.
The screening was followed by an online discussion with the film’s director, Denys Strashnyi, and the protagonist, Anatoliy Liutiuk. The discussion was moderated by Kyrylo Chuyko, First Secretary for Culture and Public Diplomacy at the Embassy of Ukraine in the People’s Republic of China and head of the Docudays UA Film Club at the Embassy.
Photo: Online discussion with filmmaker Denys Strashnyi and the film’s protagonist, Anatoliy Liutiuk
“This film is about a person who cannot stay indifferent when their country is suffering. It tells the story of thousands of small acts of kindness that together form our resistance. We wanted to make a film that would inspire people in Ukraine and abroad to discuss the war and reflect on how they can contribute to helping others,” said the film’s director, Denys Strashnyi.
“We must carry light even while surrounded by darkness, so that there are many more such stories,” shared the film’s protagonist, Anatoliy Liutiuk. “Ukrainians living in wartime know well that kindness, love, and mutual support are of immense importance. They strengthen faith and give hope.”
The screening and discussion brought together representatives of diplomatic missions in China, international cultural and analytical centers, and Chinese viewers. The story told by directors Ulyana Osovska and Denys Strashnyi touched everyone’s hearts. The discussion turned into an expression of solidarity with Ukraine, and the film itself reminded of humanity’s power to overcome violence.
Photo: The discussion was moderated by Kyrylo Chuyko, head of the Docudays UA film club at the Embassy of Ukraine in China
“Today, Ukrainian documentary films are not merely works of art. They are testimonies, acts of diplomacy, and voices of a nation fighting for its freedom — voices that the world must hear,” emphasized Kyrylo Chuyko.
The DOCU/CLUB Network of the NGO Docudays in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is actively developing in the sphere of cultural diplomacy, organizing joint events with Ukrainian embassies around the globe. There are currently about 30 Docudays UA film clubs operating abroad.
This screening in Beijing marked one more step in expanding the international presence of Ukrainian documentary cinema in the region of strategic importance for Ukraine. Such initiatives open new spaces for dialogue about our country with foreign audiences — through documentary films, people’s stories, and the truth that must be shared with the world.
The screening of Tales of a Toy Horse in Beijing proved that Ukrainian documentary filmmaking is an essential tool for advocating Ukraine’s interests and ensuring its support on the international level.
The event was organized with the support of the DOCU/CLUB Network, in cooperation with the Embassy of Ukraine in the People’s Republic of China and partners of the EUNIC China.
The development of the DOCU/CLUB Network is funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and Fondation de France.
The opinions, conclusions or recommendations are those of the authors and compilers of this publication and do not necessarily reflect the views of the governments or charitable organizations of these countries. The authors and compilers are solely responsible for the content of this publication.
