Screening of “Academic Resilience Stories from Ukraine” in Estonia

On February 25, 2025, Tartu Applied Health Science University of Estonia hosted a special screening of the documentary “Academic Resilience Stories from Ukraine.” The event was opened with words of welcome from Rector Ulla Preeden, who underscored the university’s commitment to academic solidarity and support for Ukrainian students and institutions.

Importantly, this screening was not part of the project’s planned dissemination activities but was organized at the invitation of Rector Preeden, who considered the documentary particularly worthy of being shared with students.

The screening was introduced by Academies4Ukraine project coordinator Gianluca Vagnarelli, who presented the background of the project, his motivations for telling these stories, and the experiences he gathered during the making of the film. Participants also had the chance to ask him questions, which deepened the conversation around the documentary and its key messages.

Following the screening, lecturer Oleksandra Golovko led a discussion, offering further perspectives and creating a space for dialogue with the audience. This provided an opportunity not only to reflect on the challenges and strength of Ukraine’s academic community but also to explore the broader role of higher education in times of crisis.

The event was attended by students, faculty, and staff, and proved to be an inspiring evening of learning, reflection, and solidarity. It brought together voices from across Europe in support of academic resilience and highlighted the value of sharing authentic stories of perseverance and collaboration.