On the weekend of February 22-23, 2025, viewers of Ukrainian television are set to enjoy thrilling science fiction action films and military dramas on channel 1+1. The lineup promises not only entertainment but also poignant narratives reminiscent of wartime struggles.
Saturday, February 22, kicks off with the sci-fi action film "Payback" airing at 18:00. Starring Ben Affleck and Uma Thurman, it follows Michael Jennings, a young and successful reverse engineering specialist who, after each of his secretive IT projects, has his memory wiped to prevent information leaks. When offered the deal of a lifetime by his friend James Rethrick—company shares and an eight-figure paycheck—Michael takes the plunge. But unforeseen consequences await him, leaving only scraps of memory as hints of what lay behind him.
At 20:00, the iconic film "The Day the Earth Stood Still" will take screen time. This American apocalyptic sci-fi movie stars Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, and Kathy Bates. It tells the story of an alien envoy sent to Earth with warnings: if humanity continues its destructive environmental practices, the planet will face annihilation. Unfortunately, Earthlings misinterpret the alien as the real aggressor, forcing him to masquerade as an ordinary person.
The evening concludes with "Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters" at 22:00, featuring Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton. This action-packed film shows Hansel and Gretel as professional witch hunters, utilizing their childhood experiences with dark creatures as motivation. But as they confront their most formidable adversaries, their past catches up with them, presenting new terrifying challenges.
On Sunday, February 23, the film that's become synonymous with cinematic depictions of war, "Saving Private Ryan," will air at 22:50. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this 1998 classic stars Tom Hanks and Matt Damon. It follows Captain John Miller, who embarks on the perilous mission of finding and bringing home Private James Ryan, who has lost three brothers to the battlefront. Through war-torn France, Miller and his squad encounter harrowing fights and moral conflicts as they race against time to complete their mission.
Simultaneously, channel NT is preparing to air a special broadcast on Defender of the Fatherland Day which falls on February 23. Throughout the day, the Novgorod regional television will host telethons and present documentaries, along with patriotic projects highlighting the deeds of soldiers involved in the special military operations (SMO).
The programming for February 23 begins at 10:00 with the show "Patriot," featuring stories about heroes of the SMO who echo the bravery of their ancestors. Viewers will then learn about the development of the vast "Memory of the People" database concerning World War II historical records.
A significant segment of the programming at 10:30 and 18:00 will feature the documentary "With Us Nikolai Ivanovich Orlov," which focuses on the leading search party coordinator, highlighting his impactful role in commemorations of the war heroes.
Meanwhile, at 12:30, viewers can tune in to the charitable telethon "Everything for Victory!" hosted live by Arina Akseonova, featuring interactions with volunteers and members of the Novgorod People's Front—all proceeds aimed at supporting soldiers engaged in the SMO.
Throughout the day various segments of the project "Returned" will air, detailing the stories of soldiers from World War II who were reported missing. Gary Morzunov leads this powerful retrospective, giving voice to those historians who seek to bring closure to these long-held mysteries.
By 21:20, audiences will enjoy the concert titled "Songs Scorched by War," showcasing heartfelt performances by the regional orchestra and choral groups, reminding viewers of the resilience and love for the homeland.
Across the continent, the media corporation of China has announced its upcoming programs dedicated to the successes of agriculture. On February 22, 2025, the corporation will launch this comprehensive lineup divided across three thematic segments. The first segment will focus on modernization efforts within rural communities and the adaptive measures to contemporary agricultural demands.
The second segment will share visual narratives of life within modern Chinese countryside, portraying both the challenges and triumphs experienced by the local population. Lastly, the third block will explore governmental measures aimed at fostering development within agricultural sectors.
From captivating narratives about warfare to uplifting documentaries reflecting upon national pride, the weekend of February 22-23 promises diverse programming on television—from emotional storytelling to rich cultural experiences. Tune in!