The Long Way Home Returns: Dave Stewart Documentary to Reach Streaming Platforms Worldwide

Originally directed by acclaimed filmmaker Michael Apted, The Long Way Home documents the remarkable story of Soviet underground rock pioneer Boris Grebenshchikov and his groundbreaking move to record music in the West during the era of Glasnost. The film captures a unique moment in music history and includes Dave Stewart at the heart of the story, alongside appearances from Annie Lennox, Chrissie Hynde, Ray Cooper, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and members of Boris's legendary band Aquarium.

The newly restored edition will be released across Amazon, Apple TV, Google and other major streaming services in the United States and Canada on 20th October 2026. Audiences in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and several other territories are expected to gain access during the same week.

A Long-Lost Film Finds A New Audience

Although The Long Way Home received critical acclaim following its original broadcast in the UK and screenings at the Sundance Film Festival, it has remained largely unavailable for much of the past three decades.

The 2026 edition has been painstakingly restored from the only surviving 16mm print under the supervision of producer Steven Lawrence and editor Susanne Rostock. In addition to the restored feature, the release includes a brand-new epilogue created by Lawrence and Rostock, examining Boris Grebenshchikov's life and career in the years after the release of his English-language album Radio Silence.

The new material also reflects developments that occurred long after the original film was completed, including Boris's outspoken criticism of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, helping bring the story up to date for modern audiences.

Dave Stewart and Radio Silence

For Eurythmics fans, one of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is its connection to Dave Stewart's work with Boris Grebenshchikov during the late 1980s.

At the time, Boris was one of the most influential musicians in the Soviet Union but largely unknown in the West. His decision to record outside Russia was unprecedented, and his collaboration with Dave represented an extraordinary meeting of musical cultures at a time of enormous political change.

The film follows Boris as he navigates international fame, works with Western artists, and records new music while balancing the expectations of his Russian audience and bandmates back home. Dave's involvement reflects his long-standing reputation for embracing creative collaborations across borders and genres, something that has remained a defining feature of his career.

Annie Lennox Also Appears

While Dave plays a significant role in the story, Eurythmics fans will also spot appearances from Annie Lennox, whose support and connection to the project form part of the wider network of musicians surrounding Boris during this transformative period.

Alongside Annie and Dave, the documentary includes contributions from Chrissie Hynde, percussionist Ray Cooper and members of Crosby, Stills & Nash, highlighting the remarkable range of artists involved in Boris's journey.

Directed by Michael Apted

The documentary was directed by Michael Apted, whose distinguished career included the groundbreaking Up documentary series, Bring On The Night, Coal Miner's Daughter, Gorillas in the Mist and the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough.

Apted's gift for capturing deeply personal stories makes The Long Way Home far more than a music documentary. It is a portrait of artistic freedom, cultural change and the challenges that come with stepping into an entirely new world.

A Welcome Rediscovery

For many years, The Long Way Home has been difficult to see, making this streaming release particularly significant. The restoration not only preserves an important documentary but also shines a light on a little-known chapter in Dave Stewart's extensive career.

For Eurythmics collectors and fans interested in Dave's work outside the band, The Long Way Home: Remastered and Expanded promises to be an essential watch when it becomes available on streaming platforms from 20th October.