Our OKO Nordic campaign helps you step into active solidarity and support Ukraine in a comprehensive way -- linking culture and the frontline effort.

Here’s how:

OKO Nordic is dedicated to supporting Ukrainian film directors and culture-creators who are fighting for the minds and hearts of the world and countering disinformation, by bringing them to Nordic stages and creating spaces where we can hold complexity in community, access care, and deepen connection. It is part of OKO Travels, the international edition of the OKO International Ethnographic Film Festival.

OKO Nordic is a volunteer, heart-led initiative. We secure the films, coordinate with and bring filmmakers, organize the events, and facilitate the spaces. During OKO NORDIC, Nov 27–30 in Stockholm, our screenings are low cost or free — and if you are moved and experience a shift in your heart, we invite you to GIVE from that place.

Our minimum goal is to partly cover the travel costs of Ukrainian artists coming to Sweden: EUR 1,000 for two people: OKO Director Tetiana Staneva and journalist Dana Mitanova.

Our aspiration is to raise additional funds which to support the artists who have travelled here to continue their work (eg covering their time and energy) and to also contribute to the people who are risking their lives so that this work, and freedom itself, can continue.

Why this matters:

• The war is not only military: it is informational, cultural, and civilizational. Solidarity must therefore be multi-layered.
• This may test some of our reflexes, but culture alone cannot survive this war, and the frontline cannot win without culture. If you have been in some of our spaces, we trust you are willing to lean that way.

We collaborate with the 88th Battalion of Ukraine from Bolhrad, Bessarabia. Each year at the OKO International Ethnographic Film Festival, we organise auctions and raise funds for much-needed frontline supplies. This fall in Stockholm, your contributions are especially meaningful as the cold months approach.

Up to EUR 1,000 will support the travel of two Ukrainian filmmakers Tetiana Staneva and Dana Mitanova (including train and flight tickets, hotel and transfers).

The remainder will be divided evenly between OKO and the 88 Battalion.

• OKO Funds will be used to support artists with per diems (food and living expenses for the week in Stockholm) - helping them to continue to carry out their work and mission.
• 88 Battalion funds will be used for purchasing winter and weather protection, medical and first aid supplies, communication, visibility, everyday essentials).

We have a limited number of handcrafted items created by families of soldiers — some using remnants from the battlefield. These will be offered as symbolic tokens of appreciation to higher contributors (Eur 75 or more).

Thank you for giving and making a difference today!

More about OKO Nordic and where to join a screening:

https://oko-nordic.confetti.events/

What is OKO?

OKO is the International Ethnographic Film Festival born in Bessarabia, Ukraine in 2020. It was created as a bridge between cultures and places, a response to disinformation, and — in times of war — as a cultural lifeline. Freedom is fought for on many fronts, and “culture is always on time.”

Why OKO?

“OKO” means “EYE” in both Ukrainian and Bulgarian. It invites us to look inward and outward with new eyes — unsettling the distanced gaze we cast on ourselves, the world, and our place in it. In an age of information wars and social fragmentation, OKO opens spaces for complexity, deep relating, and civic engagement.

Please help us collect funds and support OKO and Ukraine in its cultural and frontline effort.