Today at 01:03
Kyiv, August 30, 2025 – A new documentary, “Science Warriors”, highlighting the lives of Ukrainian polar scientists who continue their research despite the ongoing war, premieres on Ukrainian international broadcasting channels — Дім, FREEДОМ, UATV.English, and The Gaze.
Produced by the state enterprise Multimedia Platform of Ukrainian International Broadcasting (MPIU) in collaboration with the National Antarctic Scientific Center, the film showcases the dual dedication of Ukrainian scientists, who advance research while defending their country on the front lines. Filming took place in Antarctica at the Academician Vernadsky Station, across Ukraine near the frontline, and aboard the research vessel Noosfera.
The documentary will be released simultaneously in Ukrainian, English, and Russian, with adaptations for Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic planned for MPIU platforms. Premiere times: Дім at 21:00, FREEДОМ at 10:30, UATV.English at 22:00, and The Gaze at midnight.
“This film aims to show the world the resilience of Ukraine — both on the battlefield and in science. It portrays the unbroken spirit of our people, their dedication, intellect, and humanity, even in the darkest times,” said Julia Bin, CEO of MPIU.
Henry Keen (Hennadiy Kurkin), the journalist behind the project, became the first Ukrainian reporter aboard the research vessel Noosfera, traveling from Kyiv through Poland, France, and Santiago de Chile to Antarctica, and ultimately to Ukraine’s frontlines.
The film captures the contrast between the silence of icy landscapes and the roar of war, between scientific discovery and the struggle to defend the homeland. It follows polar researchers as they measure the ozone layer, conduct meteorological observations, and carry out other critical scientific tasks. Some expedition members have returned directly from the battlefield, demonstrating Ukraine’s unique integration of science and national defense.
Among the featured stories is Artem Ihnatenko, former cook of the 26th Antarctic expedition, who volunteered for the Armed Forces after Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“This is my country. I cannot accept the enemy called Russia. This is why I fight — it was the only right choice,” he says.
“Science Warriors” won Best Directing at the Cinema for Victory National Documentary Film Festival, where it was first shown on February 27.
Key Crew:
- Director: Kyrylo Bin
- Camera Operators: Ruslan Belozerov, Yevhen Savitsky, Oleksandr Khan
- Post-Production & Editing: Mikael Torgomyan
Watch the promo: YouTube Link
