University professors and lecturers from all over Ukraine, as well as student activists, joined the screening and discussion of the film. The event was moderated by Olha Babchuk, communications manager at the DOCU/CLUB Network.

The event was focused on the discussion of the film about civil society activists from Kherson. Defending the city, resisting the occupiers, rescuing residents after the Kakhovka dam explosion, and helping people under endless shelling – all these stories evoked a strong emotional response from the audience. However, the organisers of the meeting aimed not only to remind people of the heroism of our fellow citizens, but also to show educators how to integrate documentary films into the educational process and informal work with students.  

Photo from the MES archive

After watching the film, participants worked in groups, performed practical tasks, and generated ideas for developing student initiatives at their universities. These exercises allowed them to experience first-hand how documentary film can be a powerful tool for learning, legal education, and community building, as film clubs help create a safe space for discussion and formation of a common ground within a community or a university.

Nina Khoma, Head of the DOCU/CLUB Network, noted: “For us, cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science means recognition that documentary cinema is an indispensable tool in modern education. We see how teachers are striving for new approaches, and we are ready to provide them not only with quality films, but also with methods that help educate conscious citizens who know, understand and defend their rights.”

This online screening was just the first step. The organisers announced the start of a long-term and systematic cooperation between the DOCU/CLUB Network and the Ministry of Education and Science. For March, further meetings are planned that will allow to engage even more educators into legal awareness activities.

Photo from Ihor Baluba’s archive

Ihor Baluba, Head of the Expert Group on the Development of Qualifications and Adult Education at the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, emphasised: “The introduction of innovative teaching methods and civic education is one of the Ministry's priorities. We support activities that meet the current challenges and the students’ demand for vivid, informal content. Cooperation with the Network will allow us to fill the educational process with content that meets the requirements of educational reform and helps foster the civic identity of students, which is especially important in the context of military challenges.”

The joint initiative of the DOCU/CLUB Network and the Ministry of Education and Science demonstrates that modern education in Ukraine is becoming a platform for lively dialogue, where films are tools for developing the critical thinking skills necessary in a democratic state. The next step for the Network is to expand the circle of partner universities, so that documentary films about human rights become an integral part of student life.

The project is implemented with the support of the DOCU/CLUB Network, funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine 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 publicatio