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On 24 February 2022, the Russians launched what they themselves called a “special military operation”, a euphemism for a large-scale war against neighbouring Ukraine, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives to date. Under these circumstances, what remains of normal pre-war life? Not much, but people are doing their utmost to keep schools open – no easy task.

Ukrainian filmmaker Kateryna Gornostai spent a year following how pupils and teachers try to hold on to humanity, structure and, above all, hope under these extreme circumstances. She does so without interviews or reconstructions, simply observing how lessons, both physical and online, continue “as normal”. Because the air raid sirens and the need to take shelter ensure that everyone in the classroom is constantly aware of the threat. An ode to the resilience, courage and dedication of people who, in the midst of war, are trying to give their children a future.