b'Its All About the MagicSince he was a child, Taras saw the world through a lens. Annick saw the world through stories. Fate has brought them together and now this dynamic film duo is set to share with the world stories rooted in dynamic Ukrainian culture.Taras Lesiuk wrote and directed, and Annick Sheedy McLellan produced the award-winning short film Flyer Boys. Its a seemingly simple story about a Ukrainian grandfather trying to teach his Canadian-born grandson life lessons as they spend the hot summer months in Toronto distributing flyers. But as they find themselves at generational and cultural odds, the story takes the viewer along on their at times complex journey of understanding and acceptance.Screened at over 15 film festivals around the world, Flyer Boys has won Best Audience Choice at San Jose International Short Festival and Best Short Film at Toronto Shorts. Its also available to watch on Highball.TV.In addition to working avidly to support artists in Ukraine, Taras and Annick are currently working on several new projects including a feature film titled We Come From Here. Loosely based on a personal story, it is about a Ukrainian-born Canadian who travels back to war-torn Ukraine to help his grandmother flee the country. While the grandmother escapes, Mykola is prevented from leaving. The story is about two people trying to adapt to a new environment while reconsidering where they come from and where they truly belong.The project was an official selection for the 2023 MIDPOINT Intensive Lab in Bratislava, and has been presented at the Berlinale, Cannes, and BANFF Film Markets.Although stories are grounded in reality, Taras and Annick love the magic that happens in that special moment when the viewer is let in on a little secret. Stay tuned for more of these magic moments.Cinema ConnectsThe Shevchenko Foundation was honoured to support the Made in Ukraine series at the 2023 Canadian International Documentary Festival Hot Docs. The compelling stories as told by resilient Ukrainian filmmakers brought to the screen the reality of war-torn Ukraine. This initiative was a collaboration with the only human rights film festival in Ukraine, DocudaysUA, and also generously supported by the Temerty Foundation and Telefilm Canada. 10HEVCHENKO FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT /S'