The Football Nation

The authors showcase unique information that disproves previously held stereotypes. It turns out that the roots of Ukrainian hockey go back over a century. Ukrainian hockey players from immigrant families gained world fame while playing for teams in their new homeland. Meanwhile, they continued to maintain their language and culture. Throughout the 100-year existence of the NHL, more than fifty Ukrainians became champions of the League. This is the largest number of champions representing a non-North American nationality. Even the best hockey player of all times, Wayne Gretzky, is of Ukrainian descent.

The true story of the Mykhailenko brothers: Serhiy, commander of a mobile air defense unit, and Mykola, a player on Ukraine's Olympic soccer team. While one risks his life on the front lines, the other represents his country on the world stage. The film explores the deep connection between two brothers fighting for their country in completely different but interconnected worlds.

The film shows eight success stories of Ukrainians who recently left their homeland and achieved success overseas. The heroes of the film went from comfortable conditions to harsh pressure, but proved that there is a way to the top. And it is governed by one fundamental principle of civil society.

More than 40 million Ukrainians live outside the country — roughly the same number as those living in Ukraine itself. They are intelligent, hardworking, creative, and ambitious. Some consciously chose to build their lives abroad, while others found themselves there by chance, in a stable world with strong social protections. The film follows four real-life stories of Ukrainians who made the decision to return and create change in their homeland. Four initiatives, five protagonists, countless journeys — and one shared purpose: to develop themselves in order to help develop Ukraine.