Burnaby, B.C. (September 25, 2025) – As Russia’s war on Ukraine nears the end of its third year, Knowledge Network presents three compelling documentaries now available to viewers across Canada. The collection, Storyville Spotlight: Russia’s War on Ukraine goes beyond the news headlines and takes a deeper look at the human impacts of the largest conflict on European soil since the Second World War. Broadcast to audiences in British Columbia September 23-25, the documentaries are now available for streaming free and commercial-free across Canada.

20 Days in Mariupol (English-Canadian Broadcast Premiere) 
“Someone once told me, wars don’t start with explosions, they start with silence.” So begins Ukrainian journalist Mstyslav Chernov in his 2024 Oscar-winning documentary chronicling Russia’s siege of Mariupol in the early days of the war. Mstyslav and his two Associated Press colleagues – the only international journalists left in the city – capture the collapse of normalcy and descent into chaos as Russian forces bombard the strategically situated port city. Along with scenes of devastation and tragedy, the film shows quiet moments of human fortitude, resilience, solidarity and decency. 20 Days in Mariupol is a powerful first-hand account of the impact of war on ordinary citizens as well as the vital work of journalists who put themselves at risk to bring these stories to the world. 

Russians At War (World Broadcast Premiere) 
When Russia began its illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Toronto director Anastasia Trofimova was working for the CBC news bureau in Moscow. When the bureau shut down, she stayed behind and started documenting war resisters in Moscow. A chance encounter with a soldier on leave from the front opened the door for her to unofficially embed with a Russian battalion deployed to the frontlines of occupied Ukraine over a seven-month period in 2023. The film offers a rare glimpse into the daily experiences and shifting perspectives of rank-and-file soldiers, who are ill-prepared and increasingly disillusioned by the war. With each grueling day, the reasons for being there only become more obscure. This Canadian-French co-production premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August 2024 and screenings scheduled the following month at the Toronto International Film Festival were disrupted by protests. 

Nice Ladies (Canadian Broadcast Premiere)
Mariia Ponomarova set out to make a film about a spirited Ukrainian cheerleading team of women over 50, united by their passion for performing and a determination to defy stereotypes about aging. 

But when Russia invades, the film took a different turn. Veteran team member Sveta and her family decide to leave Kharkiv and seek refuge in the Netherlands. Close to 6 million Ukrainians have similarly made the difficult decision to leave since the start of the war including over 200,000 who have come to Canada. Seen mainly through Sveta's perspective, this captivating film captures the resilience of the women, and the strength of their bond even when they are separated by war. 

Watch Storyville Spotlight: Russia’s War on Ukraine at knowledge.ca/storyville-spotlight

About Knowledge Network:
Knowledge Network is British Columbia’s viewer-supported public educational broadcaster. Available on television throughout the province of British Columbia and on streaming platforms across Canada, we feature Knowledge Original documentaries commissioned from B.C.-based producers; curated dramas, premium factual series and documentaries from around the globe; and quality programming for pre-schoolers and parents. Our service is free and commercial free.  For more information, visit www.knowledge.ca