Superpower, the documentary film by Sean Penn and Aaron Kaufman, is making its television premiere in Ukraine today. The film, which focuses on Ukraine’s fight for freedom, will be released simultaneously in Ukraine and on Paramount+ in the United States.
Fifth Season, the company behind the film, has coordinated the day-and-date release in Ukraine. Superpower will first air on the leading Ukrainian network Inter, and then it will be shown on other channels such as NTN, Mega, and Sonce. This release strategy aims to support the Ukrainian people in their ongoing struggle against Russia’s invasion.
Superpower offers a heart-wrenching glimpse into the country’s fight for freedom, featuring intimate interviews conducted by Sean Penn with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and others. The film is the result of seven trips to Ukraine over nearly a two-year period. Penn and Kaufman co-directed the documentary.
Initially, the film started as a lighthearted project about Zelenskyy’s rise from a comic actor to President. However, the tone of the film changed when Russian troops began gathering along the Ukraine border. Just as the film crew was preparing for their first on-camera interviews with Zelenskyy on February 24, 2022, Russia invaded and attacked the capital city of Kyiv.
Jennifer Ebell, EVP of EMEA Sales and Acquisitions at Fifth Season, expressed her excitement about the project, saying that it showcases the strength and unity of the Ukrainian people in their ongoing fight for freedom. She added that they are honored to be involved in such a powerful project and to be able to share it with the Ukrainian people, whom they continue to support in their inspirational and historic defense of their homeland.
Fifth Season and Vice Studios co-financed the documentary, which was produced by Vice Studios and Projected Picture Works. Alongside Sean Penn and Aaron Kaufman, the producers include Billy Smith, Sergei Bespalov, Danny Gabai, and Lauren Terp. The film also has a distinguished list of executive producers, including Kate Ward, Katie Peck, Andrew Freston, Bruce Dixon, Hozefa Lokhandwala, Subrata De, Susan Zirinsky, Terence Wrong, Anthony Gudas, Chad A. Verdi, and Sasha Cherniavsky.
The situation in Ukraine remains dire, with estimates from the United Nations suggesting that around 10,000 civilians have been killed since the beginning of the invasion, and the fighting shows no signs of stopping. U.S. intelligence officials, quoted in the New York Times, believe that approximately 500,000 soldiers have been killed or injured in the conflict.
Superpower serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle in Ukraine and highlights the bravery and resilience of its people. By sharing their story, the documentary aims to shed light on the situation and raise awareness of the Ukrainian people’s fight for freedom.
