Ulya

Ulya (2026)



Uļa

7.0 2026 102 min Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland

Director: Viestur Kairish

Cast: Karlis Arnolds Avots, Chulpan Khamatova, Aleksas Kazanavičius, Artūrs Krūzkops, Kaspars Dumburs

Drama
Deep in the remote Russian countryside, a towering young woman grows up among Old Believers, isolated from the modern world. When civilization crashes into that secluded life, she is swept away and thrust into the cutthroat arena of professional athletics. The goal? Not so different from a medieval circus—amuse the masses and push human bodies and minds past their breaking point. Yet this girl possesses extraordinary strength of will and raw athletic brilliance. She not only adapts to this strange new universe but rises to conquer it. This is the true story of legendary basketball star Ulyana Semyonova.

More About This Film

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Uljana Semjonova, 'Ulya' (2026) is a biographical drama that chronicles the true-life rise to fame of its titular character. The film focuses on the extraordinary journey of a seven-foot Latvian woman who defied societal norms and physical limitations to become an international basketball star. Set against the backdrop of mid-20th century sports history, the narrative explores her transition from a quiet village life to the global spotlight, highlighting both her athletic prowess and the personal struggles she faced as a pioneer in men-dominated arenas.

The story delves into the tension between Ulya's humble origins and the immense pressure of her newfound celebrity status. As she navigates the rigorous demands of legendary women's basketball teams, she must confront questions of identity, sacrifice, and legacy. The film promises to be a poignant exploration of resilience, capturing the emotional depth behind the statistics and records she broke on the court.

  • The film is based on the real-life biography of the seven-foot Latvian basketball player, marking a significant historical biopic.
  • Set for release in May 2026, with premiering at the Cannes Film Festival.
  • The production emphasizes authentic casting and period-accurate details to reflect the era of Soviet-era sports.
  • Early trailers highlight the physical transformation required for the lead role to portray the towering athlete convincingly.

Where to Watch

As 'Ulya' is scheduled for release in 2026, availability on streaming platforms and ticketing services is currently pending official distribution deals.