News

With attention to the Other. “Living Library” at Docudays UA

13 March 2017

Every year Docudays UA opens the “Living Library”. Each year it offers unique experiences and endless conversations about everyday life, work, and relationships. In this space, books are embodied by real people. The project curator Ruslana Pakhunyk tells about her experience of reading a “living book” and the opportunity to ask another person questions that are crucial to us.

 

My first meeting with “Living Library” took place in 2013. That year’s spring was capricious, and Kyiv covered with snow just by the opening of Docudays UA. Public transportation was not functioning, and days off were induced in the entirely paralyzed city. But all of this did not prevent me from walking more than an hour by foot to get to the Cinema House. The world of the “Living Library” was spellbinding.

 

My first experience of communication with a “living book” proved how much our life is dominated by stereotypes. I came to talk to a refugee book and expected to see someone from Syria, Iraq or Central Asian countries; instead, I was introduced to a young man from Russia. I was not expecting that at that moment. Very often we continue to transfer stereotypes without even realizing it. I would like to make this experience of reader and curator useful to other people.

 

We have updated this year’s “Living Library” more than by half. The “books” are the people about whom there are prejudices in the society – usually these are representatives of ethnic, religious minorities, LGBT community (lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals), as well as people who live in secluded groups (like refugees), or adherents of unpopular ideas (for example, vegans and anarchists).

 

The “Living Library” project touches both heart and mind, completely absorbs one’s consciousness and changes the worldview. Just try it once!

 

Follow the announcements at the official Living Library page on Facebook – we have many surprises for you!

 

On photo - “Living Library” at Docudays UA-2016

22 INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
 6 — 13 
June 2025
Presenting the Exhibition Catalogue: LAB: DOCU/SYNTHESIS x Ukraine Wa…
News
03 July 2025
Presenting the Exhibition Catalogue: LAB: DOCU/SYNTHESIS x Ukraine War Archive
News
03 July 2025
17 Docudays UA events now available for free on DOCUSPACE online cine…
Programme Review
22 June 2025
17 Docudays UA events now available for free on DOCUSPACE online cinema
Programme Review
22 June 2025
An Invaluable, Rare Resource: Highlights from Docudays UA 2025
News
20 June 2025
An Invaluable, Rare Resource: Highlights from Docudays UA 2025
News
20 June 2025
Docudays UA has begun to digitise the Catalogues of Ukrainian Documen…
Cultural Diplomacy
17 June 2025
Docudays UA has begun to digitise the Catalogues of Ukrainian Documentary Films and presents the online publication of the 2019 edition
Cultural Diplomacy
17 June 2025
Welcome the Winning projects of the RAW DOC 2025 Showcase
News
14 June 2025
Welcome the Winning projects of the RAW DOC 2025 Showcase
News
14 June 2025
Working with memory, unique acoustics, and dialogue: interviews with …
Interviews
13 June 2025
Working with memory, unique acoustics, and dialogue: interviews with the organizers and mentors of the LAB
Interviews
13 June 2025
Congratulations to the Winners of Docudays UA 2025
News
12 June 2025
Congratulations to the Winners of Docudays UA 2025
News
12 June 2025
How Much Sleep Does the Docudays UA Communications Team Get, or Come …
Interviews
06 June 2025
How Much Sleep Does the Docudays UA Communications Team Get, or Come Get a Hug at the Festival!
Interviews
06 June 2025