Credit: Pixabay
The Ukrainian VR documentary film “Shelter” has won the prestigious international award The Webby Awards 2026.
The film was recognized in the Apps, Software, and Immersive Experiences category – Science and Education.
The Webby Awards, founded in 1996, are considered one of the most prestigious awards in digital media, often referred to as the Oscars of the internet.
The project is being developed as a 360° VR documentary.
“This is an intimate look at life in Ukraine during the war, through the spaces of shelters—places where people hide from shelling, give birth, listen to music, prepare for battle, and say goodbye to loved ones. The film immerses the viewer in various scenes: from an underground maternity ward in Kyiv to a defender’s funeral in Lviv, from military training on the front lines to an opera performance in a Kharkiv basement,” the Film Academy explained.
The documentary was a collaboration between Ukraine, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Co-directors were Ivanna Khitsynska and Siors Swiersta.
Filming took place in 2024 throughout Ukraine. Ivanna Khitsynska (WAYA Production) served as producer on behalf of Ukraine, Justin Karten (Scopic Lab) on behalf of the Netherlands, and Bram Krols (Associate Director) on behalf of Belgium.
