News release details

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) will pre‐screen the groundbreaking new documentary film "To Russia with Love" Wednesday night (June 24, 2015) in advance of its national television debut on CBC, and host a discussion with its director and executive producer.

Directed by Winnipegger Noam Gonick and produced by Sundance Productions, the film explores the impact of Russia's anti‐gay propaganda law as the world converged on Sochi for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Its storyline follows activists and athletes trying to choose, amid the ensuing media frenzy, between staying silent or speaking out.

"The CMHR, as a national museum with its focus on human rights for all, foregrounds the important work being done by activists from all walks of life," Gonick said. "Filming sports legends like Billie Jean King and Mark Tewksbury, we learned how trailblazing activists changed perceptions and made possible many of the freedoms we enjoy today."

After the film, CBC Manitoba Radio One host Ismaila Alfa will moderate a question period with Gonick and Sundance Productions president Laura Michalchyshyn, who co‐founded the company with Robert Redford. Capacity is limited for this free public event, so seats must be reserved in advance by e‑mailing rsvp@humanrights.ca .

Narrated by Golden Globe and Emmy award winner Jane Lynch, "To Russia with Love" follows the experiences of outspoken figure skater and commentator Johnny Weir, as well as athletes like diver Greg Louganis, speed skater Anastasia Bucsis, gold medal hockey goalie Charline Labonté, the Calgary Flames' Brian Burke and many others. New Yorker magazine editor David Remnick is also featured.
The film will air nationally on CBC Television, June 25 at 8 p.m.