This year, Ukrainians living in Ireland watched the documentary Young Plato as a part of the 20th Travelling Docudays UA. The Irish director of the film, Neasa Ní Chianáin, was a guest at the screening, and the audience had a unique chance to hear the author’s thoughts about her own work.

The documentary reflects the life and work of average, seemingly ordinary people who try to change themselves and the world around them for the better every day, each in their own place.

The discussion was warm and moving: the viewers were concerned about the same issues, and many were struck and excited. Every character found a place in our hearts. All participants of the festival found something important for themselves while watching the film, which, however difficult, is important because it documents the intense experiences of its characters.

Here are some impressions that audience members shared with us:

“Children who were not supported when they needed it and did not have help in solving their problems carry them on into their adult lives. Children who were not taught to cope with their own aggression become adults who cannot manage their bursts of anger. I wish we had more of such sensitive teachers as in the film, and for this we need decent salaries and grateful treatment of educators by society. In Ukraine, we need to raise the social standing and financial compensation of the military, doctors, and teachers.”

“The wall between the two denominations in the film is not just a symbol of a lack of understanding but also an embodiment of an unwillingness to listen to and understand one another. We need to tear down that wall.”

During the conversation, the director Neasa Ní Chianáin gave interesting answers, responded to the audience’s emotions, laughed and was moved together with everyone else. She sincerely sympathises with the people of Ukraine and firmly believes in our victory. What she would want the most is for the audience to spread the core idea of the film: the source of true strength is studying and education.

Author: Olena Mohylna, moderator of Travelling Docudays UA screenings in Ireland.

Header photo: A still from Young Plato.

The 20th Travelling Docudays UA is held with the support of the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine, Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine, US Embassy in Ukraine. The opinions, conclusions or recommendations do not necessarily reflect the views of the governments, charities, or companies of these countries. Responsibility for the contents of the material lies solely on its authors.