LESSONS OF TOLERANCE

A film from a nation literally under siege and under attack, Ukrainian actor-director Arkadii Nepytaliuk’s satirical dark comedy is fascinating and urgent in its topicality and cultural relevance. LESSONS OF TOLERANCE invites viewers on a transformative journey that challenges deep-seated stereotypes and beliefs.

In this charmingly effervescent but profoundly moving film, vibrant LGBTIQ+ activist Vasyl is invited into a small-town home as part of the government’s “Lessons of Tolerance” programme, which is aimed at promoting European integration. Through heartfelt interactions and shared experiences with the family – blue-collar dad Zenyk, upstanding mum Nadia, and grown-up kids Denys and Diana – Vasyl works his magic, gradually dismantling their prejudices. Along the way, Vasyl helps each family member shed their insecurities, rediscover their long-lost freedom, and reignite emotions that they thought were lost forever.

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“Lessons of Tolerance’s message of overcoming difference through shared experience and common humanity parallels the way Russia’s invasion has changed people’s perception of who is a threat and conversely, who is an ally.” –– Jeffrey Ingold | THE GUARDIAN