Since childhood, 25 year-old Yaroslav has been grappling with the quest for his essence and identity in New York, a journey that becomes increasingly intense following the commencement of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Director: Liubava Petriv

Producers: Liubava Petriv, Polina Buchak, Anna Rodnikoff

Director of Photography: Anna Lomakina

Cameras: Yurii Beloshkursky, Maksym Kurganskyy

Post-Production Sound: Mykola Shchepotin, Arseniy Nomikosov

Digital Colorist: Dmytro Smirniy

Key Cast: Yaroslav

Editors: Hanna Lomakina, Dmytro Smirniy

Music Supervisor: Anton Aleksakha

Translation: Tatiana Lubchenko

Consultant: Pedro Navarro

Archive Footage: Polina Buchak, Markian Nychka, Dinara Khairova, Greg Fernandez

Music: ‘Zapaska’, ‘Our Atlantic’, ‘Hey, Staryi’

The immersive short documentary “It’s Just My Happy Place” delves into the compelling journey of 25-year-old Yaroslav, who emigrated from Bila Tserkva, Ukraine, to the United States with his family at the age of five. Growing up in the vibrant yet challenging environment of New York City, Yaroslav struggles to preserve his Ukrainian identity amidst the cultural mosaic of his adopted homeland.

Driven by a deep sense of duty and an unwavering commitment to his homeland, Yaroslav becomes a passionate activist, dedicating himself to raising awareness and rallying support for Ukraine. He emerges as a prominent figure in protests, tirelessly advocating for his country in the face of global indifference. Over the span of two and a half years, Yaroslav channels his energy into shedding light on Russia's brutal and large-scale invasion of Ukraine, capturing the world's attention. Yet, as the weight of his activism bears down on him, Yaroslav finds himself at a critical juncture, grappling with the unknown as he steps into a future filled with uncertainty.

“It’s Just My Happy Place” not only documents Yaroslav's personal odyssey but also encourages viewers to contemplate on the intricate relationship between identity, purpose, and the sacrifices made when standing up for one's beliefs in a world where the stakes have never been higher. Through Yaroslav's journey, audiences are challenged to examine their own beliefs and values, ultimately gaining a deeper understanding of the power of resilience and discovering what truly matters. This is not merely the story of one person; it is the story of many who seek their place of strength in times of uncertainty and turmoil.