Knowledge Network Premieres Original Animated Short

Knowledge Network Premieres Original Animated Short
Documentary Christine Sinclair: Kind of a Big Deal

Directed by Eoin Duffy and narrated by Ryan Reynolds, the film explores
the journey of one of Canada’s most loved athletes

British Columbia's Knowledge Network released its latest Knowledge Original, Christine Sinclair: Kind of a Big Deal, a dynamic animated short documentary about Burnaby-born soccer legend Christine Sinclair, streaming across Canada at Knowledge.ca and globally on YouTube via Knowledge Network. Directed by acclaimed animator Eoin Duffy and narrated by Ryan Reynolds, the film offers a uniquely Canadian portrait of one of the country’s most celebrated athletes.

Over a 23-year career with Canada’s national team, Sinclair earned three Olympic medals, including gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games, and became the all-time leading goal scorer in international soccer. The film traces how quiet leadership, humility and perseverance shaped an extraordinary legacy both on and off the pitch.

“Christine Sinclair’s story embodies the kind of original homegrown storytelling Knowledge Network is proud to champion — grounded, inspiring and deeply connected to place,” said Michelle van Beusekom, President and CEO of Knowledge Network. “This film offers a fresh and artful perspective on Christine’s incredible journey, while reflecting our dedication to investing in talented creators whose stories will resonate with audiences here in British Columbia and beyond.”

The film was created with support from Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia, underscoring a shared commitment to supporting BC creators and investing in original storytelling rooted in British Columbia that will resonate with audiences everywhere.

“Christine Sinclair’s story is deeply rooted in British Columbia. This animated short shares this legacy with the world and showcases B.C.’s creative talent,” said Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “As we prepare to welcome visitors from around the world for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, we are proud to highlight excellence in homegrown storytelling supported by Creative BC and Knowledge Network that celebrates our icons and reflects B.C.’s talent on the global stage.”

Produced by Vancouver based Studio Belly Animation Inc., with animation by Hestyreps, the short documentary takes an inventive animated approach to telling Sinclair’s story, blending artistry and documentary storytelling to reflect the character of its subject.

“Our goal was to create a film that felt worthy of Christine’s story, honest, layered and distinctly Canadian,” said Eoin Duffy, Director, Studio Belly Animation Inc. “The support of Knowledge Network and Creative BC was instrumental in bringing this vision to life and allowed us to explore animation as a way of capturing not only her achievements, but the character and humanity behind them.”

Born and raised in Burnaby, Sinclair has become one of the most respected figures in global sport, while remaining deeply connected to her British Columbia roots. Her influence continues beyond the field through her commitment to advocating for gender equity in sport and her lasting impact on Canadian culture. Christine Sinclair: Kind of a Big Deal offers a reflective and personal lens on that journey.

Christine Sinclair is a B.C. icon, and this animation short is a celebration of her life and legacy. We’re proud to support this unique collaboration with Knowledge Network, championing the local filmmakers who brought her story to life,” said Prem Gill, CEO of Creative BC.

Streaming Information
Christine Sinclair: Kind of a Big Deal is available for unlimited free streaming:
 Across Canada at Knowledge.ca
 On the Knowledge App (iOS and Android)
 On Apple TV (4th generation), Roku and Amazon Fire TV
 Globally via YouTube at @KnowledgeNetworkOfficial

About Knowledge Network
Knowledge Network is British Columbia’s public educational broadcaster, providing viewers with a trusted source of free and commercial free content that enriches minds, fosters understanding and contributes to a connected and more informed society. This includes Knowledge Original documentaries commissioned from B.C.-based producers; curated dramas, premium factual series and documentaries from around the globe; and quality programming for pre-schoolers and parents. For more information, visit: about.knowledge.ca. Stream Knowledge Network programming across Canada: knowledge.ca knowledgekids.ca

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