REVIEW - Not Refugees: Ukrainians in Canadian Legal Limbo (Directed by Serge Velbovets)

Opening in a very dramatic style more akin to an action-thriller, this is a hard-hitting and serious documentary which aims to get the viewer's attention immediately. The style used to open the film is extremely effective, and may lead some to question whether they're about to watch a 'true' documentary or something more closely resembing an action thriller movie - however, after the opening, the film reverts to a more traditional documentary/docudrama presentation.

From Velbix Films, and directed by multi award-winning filmmaker Serge Velbovets (F.E.A.R: Face Everything and Rise, Mother, The Cure: An Inside Job), Not Refugees: Ukrainians in Canadian Legal Limbo is a powerful and moving feature documentary which makes very real the horrors of the war in Ukraine, and the vast and many struggles arising from it, with a particular focus on those who have been displaced as a result of the conflict, and are specifically seeking refuge in Canada.

Velbovets' background in media and journalism clearly put him in the perfect position to undertake such a complex and emotionally challenging project, and his attention to detail here and to the human aspects of this story are what makes it so compelling.

Commenting on the documentary Velbovets said: "It’s not about war, exactly. It’s about what happens after war—when survival has been achieved, but stability has not. Ukrainians who fled to Canada under emergency programs found safety, but not certainty. They are working, raising children, paying taxes, and rebuilding their lives—yet still living in legal and emotional limbo."

He added: "My hope is that this film moves not only audiences, but systems."

Teaming with Maria Valenta (Alekseeva), taking the helm as producer, Velbovets' was not short on expertise in the broad and intricate specifics, technicalities and legalities of immigration into Canada.

Valenta, based in Toronto, is a senior immigration consultant and professional advocate for Ukranians seeking refuge in Canada; also appearing on camera, with her expertise punctuating the testimonies of various immigrants and displaced persons; explaining the details and breaking down the complexities to be easily understandable for the average layperson viewer; however, there were moments her words appeared to be scripted, rather than delivered organically.

To highlight the wide range of far-reaching difficulties encountered by Ukrainian refugees, Valenta who works for Immigration Advising Canada, (a company specialising in economic and family immigration, and also temporary residence applications) refers to case studies of real Ukrainians she has met and supported through her work; men and women, husbands and wives, children, siblings, all from different backgrounds, all with different stories, but all having had their lives turned upside down by the horrors of war.

Challenging, emotional, harrowing, and real, Not Refugees: Ukrainians in Canadian Legal Limbo follows the journeys and struggles of the people who are living through this nightmare, and of the compassionate Canadians who are trying to help them settle in a new and unfamiliar land:

The heart-breaking story of a mother of three children, who juggles the uncertainty, anxiety, and possibility of her application for residency being rejected (a common experience of many in this situation), all while being forced to work 7 days a week to only just be able to support her family in a new country thousands of miles from 'home'.

A talented and accomplished musician who was forced to abandon his home and successful career, and now is forced to take any work available to him to barely make ends meet for him and his young family.

A mother and her young children, having been forced to flee Ukraine, and now living in Canada - but with huge uncertainty surrounding their residency application. The children traumatised and constantly anxious, wondering if they'll ever see their father again, and if he will ever be able to join them in Canada.

We hear from another refugee that settled in Canada, working hard to support herself and stabilise her situation, only to have her residency application refused, with the possibility of deportation looming.

Met with the generosity of the Canadian people, and with the obstacles of bureaucracy and red tape littering the immigration system, Not Refugees: Ukrainians in Canadian Legal Limbo introduces us to some of the incredible people who have dedicated their time, energy and resources to helping Ukrainians to overcome these obstacles:

The boss of a construction firm who champions the employment of Ukrainian workers, with his team helping with projects for the Canadian government - with the very real possibility of eventual deportation looming over them like a thunder cloud.

A Canadian citizen, who, after losing her own son in the war in Ukraine, was moved to help the Ukrainian refugees to make a new life in Canada, assisting many in beginning to resettle.

A woman who decided foster many Ukrainian children, while caring for many others, recognising their need for safety and love.

And, Ed Dickson, the overseas director of humanitarian charity Load of Love, which is dedicated to providing support, and helping to transform the lives of Ukrainians for the better.

This impactful and informative documentary is challenging and emotive; it will leave many viewers with a feeling of discomfort, as the chaos, upheaval, and trauma of war are made all too real - and particularly for those who will appreciate how quickly 'normality' can become a distant memory, and how easily this could happen to 'us'.

According to the film's IndieGoGo page:

Canada has led the world in welcoming Ukrainians, proving that “Canada Stands With Ukraine” is more than a slogan. NOT REFUGEES exists to honour that spirit — and to ensure it carries through to a permanent, humane solution.

A mission statement like that is difficult to oppose, and so, Not Refugees: Ukrainians in Canadian Legal Limbo aims to transcend what we expect of most documentaries - and has all the promise of being very successful in doing so. For more information check out the documentary's official Instagram and Facebook pages.

Scored 8/10 by MegaFlix Movie Awards.