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UKE | The Untold Story of Hockey Legends

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.

Statistics presented by the authors are absolutely astounding: 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. His grandparents lived in Ternopil and Beresteysk regions with the surname Gretskyy.

  • Volodymyr Mula
    Director
    American Dream, American Dream. In Search of the Truth
  • Mykola Vasylkov
    Writer
  • Volodymyr Mula
    Producer
    American Dream, American Dream. In Search of the Truth
  • Wayne Gretzky
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Walter Gretzky
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Kelly Hrudey
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Ken Daneyko
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Johnny Bucyk
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Jerry Sawchuk
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Ruslan Fedotenko
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Orest Kindrachuk
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Eric Nesterenko
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Eddie Shack
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Bruce Driver
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Jeff Chychrun
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 30 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    May 11, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    220,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Ukraine
  • Country of Filming:
    Belarus, Canada, Ukraine, United States
  • Language:
    English, Ukrainian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Distribution Information
  • TeleProstir Studio
    Distributor
    Country: Worldwide
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Volodymyr Mula

Volodymyr Romanovych Mula (born October 22 1989) is a Ukrainian filmmaker, producer, writer, journalist, TV reporter. First Ukrainian director to win an Emmy Award, and is an Honored Art Worker of Ukraine.

Throughout his professional career, he has collaborated with leading television networks, including the British BBC, American CBS, and Singaporean CNA. He has covered major events such as the Eurovision Song Contest for seven years (2011-2017), the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, the 2016 European Football Championship in France, and the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.

Mula is also known for his documentary works, including Amazon Prime's "American Dream: In Search of the Truth" (2017) and "UKE" (2020). In 2021, he filmed a documentary titled "The Football Nation" about Ukraine's first soccer team.

Volodymyr worked as a director and field producer on the Sports Emmy® Awards-winning television series 'Football Must Go On' (2023) for Paramount+/CBS, as well as on 'We're The Zoomers' (2023) for the CNA television network.

In 2024, he wrote the book "Wayne Called Me" about the history of creating the "UKE" documentary movie.

Awards

In May 2021, Volodymyr Mula's documentary UKE was recognized as the main media event of the year at the Ukraine Sports Media Awards – 2020, organized by the Association of Sports Journalists of Ukraine.

In September 2021, Volodymyr Mula was awarded the title of Honored Art Worker of Ukraine in recognition of his significant contributions to cinematography, creative achievements, and professional excellence. This prestigious title is conferred by the President of Ukraine to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the arts and culture of the nation.

In May 2024, at the 45th Sports Emmy® Awards held at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City, Volodymyr Mula received the Emmy award in the category of "Outstanding Documentary Series - Serialized" for his television documentary project Football Must Go On. This honor was presented by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), marking one of the highest distinctions in U.S. television.

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Director Statement

My main message, my goal is to show that the former NHL players are proud of their Ukrainian heritage. I also want to show them their contribution – that the traditions of 100 years ago is in them, that their journey isn’t forgotten. Many of the players’ parents and grandparents fled to escape Bolshevism yet passed down the language and culture to the players.

Growing up, they found it difficult to assimilate in Canadian society so hockey was a way to adapt and receive recognition, many started to be called ‘Ukes’