VeganFlix Studio loved catching up with Nikashnók about his upcoming project, Santuario Sierra del Cielo! We can’t wait to see it come to life.

VF: Hi Nikashnók, it’s wonderful to connect with you! Thanks for taking the time.

Nikashnók: And we, too, are very grateful for your support and accompaniment for our project. 

VF: Tell us how you got the idea for your project, Santuario Sierra del Cielo.

Nikashnók: With time working on the diffusion of veganism and specifically of our animal rescue sanctuary, certain ideas and messages matured that we considered could be really useful, with nuances of our own group experience in the place. 

Both on a technical and narrative or communicative level, we felt that we were already able to take some steps in the creation of beneficial content for animals, humanity and the planet. We also saw that we have the necessary conditions to film in the place where we live: the sanctuary. And the right people. So we started writing a script that would be able to synthesise the uniqueness of our work with animals and reach more people in a way that we are not aware exists.

VF: It sounds like this project grew naturally from your work and experiences at the sanctuary. Using your own space and community to create your film is such a great idea. What else do you do in your life besides making your film?

Nikashnók: I live in a Planetary Service Centre called Uksim, where the Sierra del Cielo Sanctuary is located. I do a variety of tasks such as outreach and work in the sanctuary itself, attending to the different needs of the rescued and the maintenance of the sanctuary. 

VF: That’s wonderful! What experiences in your life have shaped your commitment to veganism or animal advocacy?

Nikashnók: The experience of assisting our animal brothers and sisters at the sanctuary was and is everything. And it is precisely one of the strongest points this film will have: restoring a deep bond between humans and animals. If there is one thing that impacted me and changed me forever, it was living with them. 

VF: Your commitment and compassion really shines through, and this will really benefit your project. What impact do you hope your film will have on viewers, both vegan and non-vegan?

Nikashnók: We don’t really expect something specific because we understand the diversity of humanity and that everyone can be reached in different ways. What is clear to us is that the message is compelling and that for vegans, it could, in addition to confirming the path, broaden their conception of veganism due to the understanding of the uniqueness of Life. 

At the same time, for non-vegans, it could present a more experiential perspective of the vegan ethic and the reasons for renouncing anything that contributes to animal exploitation. Perhaps what we hope is that it will become a different (and complementary) way of approaching the subject. And that it reaches those it is meant to reach.

VF: That’s a wise philosophy to have! Anything else you’d like to share? 

Nikashnók: We will try to be attentive to perceive the needs and areas that we can cover to benefit life in general. Undoubtedly, this is a door that opens indefinitely; it is our responsibility to walk through it as tall as we can.

VF: Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us! We can’t wait to see Santuario Sierra del Cielo come to life.