To mark the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Stanislav Tiunov’s film “Bucha” will become available on online platforms in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
This was reported by АРМІЯINFORM.
Starting February 24, 2026, the film will be available on Apple TV and Amazon.
About the Film
“Bucha” is a Ukrainian full-length feature film directed by Stanislav Tiunov about a volunteer who evacuates people from Bucha during the massacre carried out by the Russian army.
The film is based on the real-life biography of volunteer Kostiantyn Hudauskas. He is Lithuanian by father but was born in Kazakhstan, and it was his Kazakh passport that allowed him to pass through Russian checkpoints in the occupied territories.
This is the first feature film about occupied Bucha. The teaser trailer was presented on September 13, Bucha City Day, by film producer Oleksandr Shchur and director Stanislav Tiunov.
“Bucha” is a biographical drama based on real events that took place in the cities of Bucha, Vorzel, Hostomel, and Irpin during the Russian occupation in February–April 2022. The film tells the story of how Kostiantyn Hudauskas — a citizen of Kazakhstan who received political asylum in Ukraine and lived in Bucha — rescued 203 local residents.
After the invasion began, thanks to his Kazakh passport, he was able to enter occupied territory and evacuate civilians. During these missions, Kostiantyn witnessed murders, looting, and rapes.
Following the liberation of Kyiv region by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Kostiantyn Hudauskas became the subject of coverage by influential national and international media outlets, including the French publication Le Monde, the television channel France 24, and Britain’s ITV News.
Music and Selected Scenes
The main soundtrack for the biographical film was composed by Isa Melikov, an Azerbaijani composer and producer. The film also features works by Ihor Poklad — “Sila Ptakha” and the March of the Company from the operetta “The Witch of Konotop.”
The film includes a scene depicting the rescue of Ihor Poklad, who, during the occupation of Vorzel, spent more than two weeks in a basement with his wife Svitlana without electricity, heating, water, or communication. Ihor Dmytrovych publicly thanked those who helped secure his release from occupation. The 80-year-old composer, author of more than 150 songs, dozens of symphonies, operettas, and musicals, stated his intention to create a work dedicated to the tragedy he endured.
During the teaser presentation, Kostiantyn Hudauskas was the central figure. He noted that what impressed him most was the strength of spirit of Ukrainians who did not surrender to the aggressor. In particular, he recalled the Territorial Defense fighters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Irpin, who, despite shelling, refused rotation and remained to defend the city.
The teaser trailer for the drama “Bucha” was funded by American investors. Further production of the film was also financed exclusively by foreign investors and patrons. The creators stated that no fundraising was conducted in Ukraine, given that Ukrainians are actively supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The film premiered on the anniversary of the tragedy. From February 24, 2026, it became available to audiences in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom on international streaming platforms.
Photo: АРМІЯINFORM
Author: Danylo Pievchev