Ep 7. The Distant Barking of Dogs

In the seventh episode of season 32 of POV, titled "The Distant Barking of Dogs," viewers are taken on a journey through the eyes of a young boy named Oleg living in Eastern Ukraine. The documentary follows Oleg's daily life, which is disrupted by the ongoing conflict happening around him.

The film begins with a shot of Oleg and his grandmother, Alexandra, sitting outside their small home in a rural village. As they eat breakfast, the sounds of distant explosions and gunfire can be heard in the background. Oleg is used to these noises and barely flinches when they occur, but Alexandra worries about their safety.

As the film progresses, viewers see Oleg attending school, playing with his friends, and helping his grandmother with daily tasks like collecting eggs from their chickens. But no matter what he is doing, the threat of the conflict looms over him. He and his friends play war games in the fields, simulating the battles they hear happening in the distance.

Despite the chaos going on around him, Oleg maintains a sense of innocence and curiosity. He asks questions about the conflict and even collects war memorabilia to sell to tourists. This entrepreneurial spirit is juxtaposed with the realities of war, as Oleg and his grandmother attend a funeral for a neighbor killed in the fighting.

Throughout the film, Oleg's relationship with Alexandra is a focal point. She loves him deeply and tries to shield him from the worst of the conflict, but eventually her own health issues become a concern. Oleg's worry about his grandmother adds to the tension of the film and highlights the toll that war takes on families.

"The Distant Barking of Dogs" is a poignant portrayal of life in a war zone through the eyes of a child. The filmmakers have done an excellent job of capturing Oleg's perspective and how he copes with the turmoil around him. The cinematography is breathtaking, with sweeping shots of the Ukrainian countryside juxtaposed with scenes of war-torn landscapes.

The film also highlights the toll that war takes on a community. At one point, Oleg and Alexandra visit a nearby town that has been destroyed by shelling. The devastation is heartbreaking, with buildings reduced to rubble and families forced to flee. It is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of finding peaceful solutions.

Overall, "The Distant Barking of Dogs" is a powerful documentary that provides a unique perspective on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the impact of war on civilians, and particularly for those who want to understand how children are affected by conflict.