‘We Shelter here, Sometimes’
Full Length Documentary
Watch the film here
Filmed and Directed by Paul Gonella of Strong Island Media, this intimate, up-close-and-personal documentary follows the internationally acclaimed British street artist known only by the moniker My Dog Sighs as he embarks on his most ambitious project yet. In We Shelter Here Sometimes, the artist seeks an opportunity to bring the outside world of street art into a space that he could totally control. He finds a beautiful abandoned ballroom which he seeks to transform into a vast, immersive installation with a powerful message.
When My Dog Sighs begins the project, his goal is clear: create a utopian society of Quiet Little Voices, sculptures representing various facets of the human experience. Initially, he expects the work to take six months, with a modest budget, but unforeseen challenges – including the Covid lockdowns, break-ins, a financial crisis, and even a fire – threaten to derail everything.
Through highs and lows, We Shelter Here Sometimes documents the relentless trials the artist faces as he works tirelessly against a seemingly never-ending set of obstacles to bring his vision to life. As My Dog Sighs moves into sculpture for the first time, the film explores not only the artist's creative process but also the profound impact of art and community. Will he be able to open the doors to the public? Will anyone discover the beauty of this forgotten space and witness the power of creativity to uplift and inspire?
We Shelter Here Sometimes asks the ultimate question: Can dogged determination defy the odds?
The documentary offers an extraordinary glimpse into the mind and journey of one of the most exciting street artists working today. With a story that’s as much about overcoming adversity as it is about the transformative power of art, We Shelter Here Sometimes is a must-watch for art enthusiasts, creatives, and anyone who has ever dreamed of making the impossible a reality.
It’s hard to put into words just how much has happened in the last few years. If you’ve followed me for a while then you’ll be aware of INSIDE – We Shelter Here Sometimes. It was a huge project that took over my life, pushing me to my limits, testing my resilience, and forcing me to face so many challenges I never saw coming. From the highs to the absolute lows, it’s been an unforgettable journey which still reverberates.
What started as a vision, a dream, became something far greater than I ever expected. And now, I’m so proud to share that this story – the struggles, the breakthroughs, the heartache, and the triumphs – in a feature-length documentary beautifully filmed and Directed by Paul Gonella of Strong Island Media.
The film is free of charge, as a thank you for the support I’ve received and as a way to hopefully inspire anyone who’s ever had to fight for their dreams. This is my story, but it’s also about the power of creativity, perseverance, and the belief that we can build something beautiful from the hardest of times.
An abandoned building. A creative dream. Can dogged determination defy the odds?
This is more than just a film – it’s a celebration of the journey, the community, and the creativity that made it all possible.
‘We Shelter here Sometimes’ Solo show and Film showing BRISTOL
After the recent success of the London and Portsmouth events and the release of the short film ‘Inside’ I’m really excited to announce that, in July, I’ll be showing my full length documentary ’We Shelter Here, Sometimes’ alongside a solo show in Bristol.
‘We shelter here, sometimes’, made in conjunction with Portsmouth’s Strong Island Media, follows the often turbulent two year journey creating my ‘inside’ installation/exhibition in Portsmouth’s ghostly derelict Kimbells ballroom which saw 10,000 people visit over 16 days.
Filmed while the project was still a secret, it beautifully reveals the story of an artist biting off more than they could ever imagine, pushing to create their life’s work amidst fires, funding nightmares and an unexpected covid pandemic.
This beautifully shot cinematic film will be shown at the Cube cinema in Bristol, on Thursday 11th July at 7.30pm
To accompany the film i have taken over That Art Gallery in (2 Upper Maudlin Street BS2 8DJ) and will host a solo show of work produced during the two year after ‘Inside’.
Tickets for the film can be found here
Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
No tickets are needed for the exhibition.
Gallery open times -
That Art Gallery
Friday 12th July 6-9pm *
Saturday 13th July 11am - 6pm*
Sunday 14th july 11am -6pm*
Tuesday 16th July 11am-6pm
Wednesday 17th July 11am -6pm
Thursday 18th July 11am- 6pm
Friday 19th July 11am-6pm
Saturday 20th July 11-6pm*
*artist in attendance
I look forward to sharing my work with you.
Special thanks to That Art Gallery
‘Inside' Walk through video
A walk through video of 2021 fully immersive installation by internationally acclaimed street art its My Dog Sighs.
Art by My Dog Sighs.
Film by Strong Island Media
Music by B of the Bang
Sound by Chris Whitear (University of Portsmouth)
Lighting by VEL lighting
Building permission by The Queens Hotel
INSIDE is My Dog Sighs' most ambitious project to date, spending over a year transforming a derelict building into an immersive world inhabited by his ‘Quiet Little Voices’.
With this walkthrough the ballroom floor of ‘Inside’ you’re able to catch a discover of My Dog Sighs' new, alternative, world as you follow him through the exhibition. For the first time My Dog Sighs has moved into sculpture, fusing his visual language with space, form, light and sound, alongside the more recognisable facets that define his practice.
