UNITED24, in partnership with Microsoft and the Ministry of Digital Transformation, has launched an immersive documentary project titled «Arina's Dream». Its goal is to unite the global community for the restoration of Ukraine.
The central character is Arina, an eight-year-old dancer from Irpin. Her hometown and dreams were shattered by Russian attacks. She had to flee with her mother and later return to her devastated community. Arina's story embodies the fate of thousands of Ukrainian children. To showcase the war through the eyes of young Ukrainians, the project combines documentary video, art, virtual reality, and gaming elements.
«Thanks to this initiative from the presidential fundraising platform UNITED24 and the support of Microsoft, we can reveal to the world the true extent of the destruction Ukraine has faced due to Russian aggression. Such initiatives elevate fundraising to a new level, making it more effective and technological, and allow us to draw attention back to Ukraine», — noted Mykhailo Fedorov, Vice Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science, and Technology.
Through innovative technologies, viewers are immersed in a virtual space where they can visit the destroyed cultural center in Irpin. There, Arina shares her dream of dancing on a grand stage. Users will enter a metaverse — a reconstruction of the Irpin cultural center — and explore the rich cultural heritage of Ukraine: «Shchedryk», Malanka traditions, and the work of contemporary artist Masha Reva, who illustrated a clip for Harry Styles.
To realize such a complex technological project, Microsoft provided expert support and resources from its Azure cloud platform.
«Our collaboration with Ukraine demonstrates the results that can be achieved when innovation serves a greater purpose. We are proud to be a trusted technology advisor. From secure infrastructure to captivating storytelling — Microsoft helped create a digital experience that brings real change to the world», — commented Andy Pratt, Corporate Vice President of Emerging Technologies at Microsoft.
This project showcases a new approach to fundraising for the reconstruction of Ukraine. It also reflects the realization of dreams and hope for the future of Ukrainian children. To help children receive quality education and achieve great accomplishments in life, UNITED24 has launched the «Education and Science» initiative.