Brittney Griner Documentary Premieres at Sundance, Draws Parallels to ICE Actions

The film explores Griner's imprisonment in Russia and how her story relates to current events in the U.S.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Brittney Griner's new 30 for 30 documentary, "The Brittney Griner Story," is premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. The film delves into Griner's nearly 10-month imprisonment in Russia on a minor drug charge, as well as how her experience relates to the actions of ICE agents in cities like Minneapolis. Griner hopes the film can "shed some light into what it could be like if we keep letting this happen" in reference to the government's treatment of innocent people. The documentary also features an interview with former President Biden, who Griner calls a "personal hero" for his efforts to secure her release.

Why it matters

Griner's story has taken on new significance in the current political climate, with the film drawing parallels between her imprisonment in Russia and the actions of ICE agents in the U.S. The documentary aims to serve as a "cautionary tale" and inspire change regarding the government's treatment of vulnerable populations.

The details

The film, directed by Alexandra Stapleton, provides deeper context to Griner's story beyond the media coverage, including details about her upbringing, basketball career, and relationship with her wife Cherelle. It also features an interview with former President Biden, who Griner praises for his empathy and efforts to secure her release, despite criticism from some on the political right.

  • Brittney Griner was imprisoned in Russia for nearly 10 months in 2022.
  • The Brittney Griner documentary is premiering at the Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2026.
  • The documentary is set to air on ESPN later in 2026.

The players

Brittney Griner

An American professional basketball player who was imprisoned in Russia on a minor drug charge in 2022 before being released in a prisoner swap.

Joe Biden

The former President of the United States who was instrumental in securing Griner's release from Russia.

Alexandra Stapleton

The director of the new 30 for 30 documentary "The Brittney Griner Story" that is premiering at Sundance.

Cherelle Griner

Brittney Griner's wife, who met with President Biden at the White House to advocate for her release.

Lindsay Kagawa Colas

Brittney Griner's longtime manager who also met with President Biden at the White House.

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What they’re saying

“I hope this film can shed some light into what it could be like if we keep letting this happen.”

— Brittney Griner

“Hopefully this can be a film that can make a change.”

— Alexandra Stapleton, Director

“I am human, and sometimes it gets me worked up, it makes me want to say something. But at the same time, a lot of these people are just looking to get noticed in their mediocre lives, and they need a response from me or whoever they're attacking to feel important, because they want to get their two seconds of fame. I try to do a good job ignoring it.”

— Brittney Griner

“I hope people get the sense of, 'when we come together we can stop what's going on.' We can change what's going on right now in our country.”

— Brittney Griner

What’s next

The Brittney Griner documentary is scheduled to air on ESPN later in 2026 following its Sundance premiere.

The takeaway

Brittney Griner's story has taken on new relevance in the current political climate, with the documentary drawing parallels between her imprisonment in Russia and the actions of ICE agents in the U.S. The film aims to serve as a cautionary tale and inspire change regarding the government's treatment of vulnerable populations.