Unlock 8 films to stream instantly
Already unlocked? for access

Give as a gift

Protected ContentThis content can only be viewed in authorized regions: United States of America.
$12After unlocking, you'll have 10 days to start watching. Once you begin, you'll have 72 hours to finish watching. Need help?

For Group Tickets CLICK HERE


It takes courage and determination to overcome obstacles but you can do it just like the brave souls in this shorts program.


For Ages 8-10 | 79 minutes | Presented in English and original languages with English subtitles


Themes: Overcome Obstacles/Adversity, Dare To Dream, Problem Solving , Death/Loss, SEL


Content Advisory: Mild language

Welcome Sesame (Ukraine): Invisible Shield


Ten-year-old Denys from Kyiv loves to dance and attends group lessons several times a week, where he practices with his teacher and other children. In the winter of 2022, Denys started to learn the Ukrainian dance - Hopak, which has become a way of expressing his pride in Ukrainian heritage. As Denys practices different elements of the dance, he also learns about its history and the story of the Cossacks. Hopak is a dance that shows their strength and courage, which Denys compares to having an invisible shield, some kind of a 'super defense'. After classes, Denys likes to go to the park by the Dnipro River, where he collects his thoughts and rehearses his dance alone in nature, preparing for his performance on the big stage some day. This film is part of the 5-film series produced by Sesame Workshop, as part of the Welcome Sesame initiative, designed for children and families affected by the war in Ukraine to develop coping skills, encourage emotional wellbeing, and provide opportunities for early education. Videos and print resources are being distributed on an ongoing basis to families and to Sesame Workshop's partners responding to the crisis.

  • Year
    2023
  • Runtime
    2 minutes
  • Language
    Ukrainian
  • Country
    Ukraine
  • Premiere
    North American Premiere
  • Director
    Lada Sabova
  • Screenwriter
    Lada Sabova
  • Producer
    Estee Bardanashvili, Guillermo (Memo) Salazar, Oleksii Zgonik, Valeriia Zagerst