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Griner Documentary: Russia Prison to US Cautionary Tale
28 Jan
Summary
- Griner's new documentary premieres at Sundance, detailing her Russian imprisonment.
- The film draws parallels between her detention and current US situations.
- It covers her 10 months in Russian prison and subsequent release.
Brittney Griner's documentary, "The Brittney Griner Story," debuted at the Sundance Film Festival on Tuesday night, January 28, 2026. The film recounts Griner's 10-month detention in Russia, including her time in a penal colony known for its harsh conditions. Director Alexandria Stapleton noted the film's relevance has grown, hoping it serves as a cautionary tale for current events unfolding in the United States.
Griner herself suggested the documentary could illuminate potential societal trajectories, drawing comparisons to ongoing immigration crackdowns. The film explores her life, relationship with her wife Cherelle, and her career, with significant focus on her seven years playing in Russia leading up to her arrest in February 2022.
Griner was arrested after vape cartridges were found in her luggage. She received a nine-year sentence before her release on December 8, 2022, through a prisoner exchange brokered by then-President Joe Biden. The documentary includes interviews, notably with Biden, discussing the efforts to secure her freedom. It also addresses the criticism Griner faced regarding her release compared to other detained individuals, including her efforts to advocate for others.
