In Varna, Ukrainian refugees are becoming part of everyday community life, but misinformation, rising living costs and political debate are creating new distance between newcomers and local residents. “Together in Varna: Changing Narratives, Building Understanding” will bring these local experiences into the open through three short documentary videos.

The campaign will feature Ukrainian children and parents, Bulgarian families and young people, teachers, NGOs and other local partners. The films will follow real experiences of learning Bulgarian, adapting to school, making friends, volunteering and supporting one another. Rather than presenting refugees only as people receiving help, the videos will show them as neighbours, classmates, parents, workers and contributors to Varna.

The stories will be developed through consultations with refugees, Bulgarian residents, educators, youth groups and local organisations. Produced with Bulgarian National Television Varna, the 2–5-minute films will combine interviews and documentary footage from schools, community activities and local events. They will be subtitled in English and shared online, followed by a public screening and discussion in Varna.

Viewers will see how integration works in everyday situations, how misinformation can create unnecessary barriers, and what residents, schools and organisations can do themselves—from sharing verified information to welcoming refugee children and volunteering.

The project addresses SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).