The UNITED24 project, supported by Microsoft and the Ministry of Digital Transformation, has launched an immersive documentary — «Arina's Dreams». Its goal is to unite the global community for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
The main character is eight-year-old dancer Arina from Irpin. Her city and dreams were shattered by Russian aggression. The girl had to flee her home with her mother and later return to a devastated community. Arina's story symbolizes the plight of thousands of Ukrainian children. To show the war through the eyes of the young, the project combines documentary footage, art, virtual reality, and gaming elements.
«Thanks to this initiative by the presidential platform UNITED24 and Microsoft’s support, we can reveal the truth about the destruction Ukraine has faced due to Russian aggression. Such initiatives elevate fundraising to a new level, making it more effective and technological, while also redirecting attention back to Ukraine», — stated Mykhailo Fedorov, Vice Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, and Digital Transformation.
Innovative technology allows viewers to immerse themselves in a virtual space, visiting the ruined cultural center in Irpin. Here, Arina shares her dream of dancing on a grand stage. Users will enter a metaverse recreating the Irpin cultural center and explore Ukraine's rich cultural heritage, including «Shchedryk» and the works of contemporary artist Masha Reva.
To implement this 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 take pride in being a reliable technological partner, helping to 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 Ukraine's recovery. It also embodies the realization of dreams and hope for the future of Ukrainian children. To assist children in obtaining quality education, UNITED24 has launched the «Education and Science» initiative.
