Film following the story of Ukrainian refugees united by vintage football shirts set for public release
By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 17th Jan 2026
A film showcasing the story of two Ukrainian refugees living in Macclesfield is finally set for public release.
Stunner will be available to watch on YouTube from Sunday, January 18, having premiered to a sold-out crowd at Cinemac in July 2024.
Since then, it has been screened in Manchester and London.
It follows Serge and Polina's journey from Kyiv to Macclesfield, supported by a community of vintage football shirt lovers.
Director Thomas Broadhead said: "I heard about Serge and Polina through the grapevine and found they were living down the road from my parents.
"I asked them if they wanted to meet for a pint at The Castle and, by the fire, they told me their incredible story.
"Without much hesitation, I asked if they would allow me to make it into a film, complemented by their extraordinary archive.
"Serge and Polina opened my eyes to the unifying power of football, and I hope that this film captures that."
The film's description explains that Serge and Polina met through a shared love of vintage football shirts, fashion and photography.
Since opening their dream business in Kyiv in 2022, their path has been winding, navigating business, love and friendships to the backdrop of the Russian invasion.
Stunner was shot in 2023 at various locations in Macclesfield and Gurnett, with archive media from the last three years from across the European football pyramid, including Macclesfield FC.
It is produced by Thomas' production company, Different Gravy, with distribution by Tourism Broad Unofficiale.
Thomas said: "I have made films in so many different places, but never Macclesfield.
"It is a real pleasure to turn the camera on my hometown for a story that shows our community at its finest.
"Making the film was made so much easier by the generosity of a few people across the town, namely the landladies of Ye Old King's Head (Emily) at Gurnett and The Castle (Rebecca) in Macclesfield, who let me film sections in both boozers free of charge and with very few questions asked!"
Stunner will be available to watch here from 5pm on Sunday, January 18.
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