Maarten Sleegers & Anna Sherstiuk

Statement van de maker

Director's statement Anna Sherstiuk: "More than two years I have been living with my family in Brabant, in the small town of Someren. We are very grateful for all the help and protection, but Brabant will never truly feel like home. Making this film gives me a purpose that is far greater than me: reminding my fellow Ukrainians of a very important and comforting truth: you are not alone. With Shelter, I wanted to create characters that could be recognizable to my people. The way Nikita faces his struggles of adapting to life in Brabant could inspire other Ukrainians in similar situations. This very morning I can feel like I am in the story of Shelter, Ukrainian children in my building can feel like Nikita when they cycle to school tomorrow. My parents can feel like Nikita when they eat this strange 'worstenbroodje'. We can all identify with Nikita. Life always turns out differently and sometimes surprises us in an unpleasant way, but if we remind ourselves of our strengths, we can bring about a better day. Shelter therefore is not just about struggles, it is about hope. My colleague is Dutch. This means that our film is about the same things but shown through the prism of two completely different worldviews. It offers me a great opportunity to learn how a Western European writer-director works and thinks. My exile could be turned into an experience from which I grow personally and professionally."