Documentary by UNICEF and NO BLINK tells the stories of four Ukrainian families in Bulgaria
Watch online "Childhood 2.0" a film directed by Atanas Christoskov
- Available in:
- Български
- English
The outbreak of war in Ukraine, when it erupted on 24 February 2022, shocked the world. A year on, approximately 150,000 people have received temporary protection in Bulgaria alone – the largest number compared to neighboring countries. Of these, over 50,000 are children.
While many Ukrainians have since returned home or moved elsewhere, there are still some 50,000 Ukrainian refugees remaining in Bulgaria. Around 10,000 of them live in hotels and bases, supported by the state authorities. Their integration into society is crucial.
The "Childhood 2.0" documentary, supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and produced by NO BLINK Pictures, is dedicated to these new beginnings. It follows the stories of four Ukrainian families who sought refuge in Bulgaria after the start of the war. What challenges do refugee children face in their new environment? What unusual roles and responsibilities do they have to take on? How successfully do they and their parents cope with adaptation? These are just some of the questions we seek to answer through the eyes of our characters, who include:
See who the characters are in the film:
Anastasia, who arrived in Bulgaria together with her eight-year-old daughter and her mother, and now works with children at the refugee support center "Blue Dot", built by UNICEF and partners in Varna.
Yeva, who arrived in Sofia, Bulgaria at only 16 years old and found a way to take care of her own mental health and animals by working at a local pet grooming center.
Lena, a photographer from Kyiv, who lives in Sofia with her three young sons and documents everyday life at the refugee support center of the For Good Foundation.
Tetiana, who fled Ukraine after a rocket destroyed her home, and has now overcome cancer and found new love in Bulgaria.
After a year of war and devastation, UNICEF hopes that this documentary will focus the public's attention on the enormous efforts and support offered to Ukrainian refugees in Bulgaria. It also hopes to shed light on problems related to education, health care, shelter and the labor market. The heroes featured prove that integration is possible and a shared responsibility – for both refugees and the welcoming and hospitable Bulgarian community. Together, we are stronger.
Every child, no matter who they are or where they come from, is above all else a child – with dreams, abilities and potential. The film "Childhood 2.0" is a gesture of gratitude to Bulgaria and a call to action for people, through solidarity, friendship and opportunity, to recognize their own power to change the world.
