The documentary 'Vitalik: An Ethereum Story' premiered globally on April 15, 2025, showcasing the life of Vitalik Buterin, the creator of Ethereum.

The film explores Buterin's background, detailing his childhood in Russia and his early interest in technology after moving to Toronto, Canada.

Buterin's journey in the tech world began with his involvement in Toronto's Bitcoin community, which ultimately led to the creation of Ethereum, aimed at providing financial freedom.

Vitalik agreed to participate in the film to share his vision for Ethereum and connect with a larger audience.

The documentary highlights Buterin's support for Ukraine during the Russian invasion, illustrating how cryptocurrency can provide essential resources in times of crisis.

Directors Chris Temple and Zach Ingrasci aim to provoke thoughtful discussions about technology's dual nature, encouraging audiences to recognize both its benefits and risks.

Ingraisci notes that Buterin's primary concern is ensuring Ethereum's usefulness for positive societal change, rather than speculative use.

The film also reflects on Buterin's evolving leadership role within the Ethereum Foundation and his discomfort with recent organizational changes.

The documentary covers key moments in Ethereum's history, including its inception, challenges faced by Buterin as a leader, the NFT boom, and the significant 'Merge' event that reduced energy consumption.

To engage the crypto community, the film premiered on an on-chain platform, asserting its independence despite the challenges of mainstream distribution.

The decision to exclude the 2016 DAO hack was made to streamline the narrative and focus on more relatable aspects of Buterin's journey.

Ultimately, the film portrays Buterin as a person distinct from Ethereum, emphasizing that his story is part of a larger narrative about the blockchain.