Did you get a chance to go and see the exhibition INSIDE ‘We Shelter Here Sometimes’? And if you did, what did you think? My Dog Sighs fan base queued around the block to get into the old casino building and there was a real buzz about Southsea during the 2 week window that it was on show.
You can listen to the podcast that Southsea Folk did with Paul, where he announced the location of the exhibition, which had been kept under wraps for a long time.
The Documentary Film
Following its world premiere in Portsmouth in 2024, the highly anticipated documentary film We Shelter Here Sometimes is set to be available for download from the artist’s official website on March 8, 2025.
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?
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.
Speaking of the journey with the exhibition and the making of the film, My Dog Sighs said, 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 – is being released in a feature-length documentary.
“I’ll be releasing it online, 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.
The Launch of the Digital Film at Southsea Cinema
An abandoned building. A creative dream. Can dogged determination defy the odds?
Join the artist and film maker at Southsea Cinema on 8th and 9th March for an exclusive screening of the film, followed by a Q&A with the artist and director. Tickets available using the links below
Saturday 8th March 7pm https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1249464444789?aff=oddtdtcreator
Sunday 2pm 9th March https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1249480141739?aff=oddtdtcreator
Release Details:
Digital Release: Available for download from My Dog Sighs’ official website starting March 8, 2025.
Film Director – Paul Gonella of Strong Island Media.
Featured Image – Paul Gonella
Other Images – Paul Gonella
