Movie creators reveal details about production of "Aldan"

Behind the Scenes of "Yakut Warrior"

In the bustling setting of the "Lena" cinema, the premier of the movie "Yakut Warrior" (16+) was a spectacle on April 30. Filling the hall were noteworthy personalities: IT tycoon, decorated military medic, and volunteer Nikolai Potapov, sketching parallels with the film's protagonist; director Dmitry Koltsov; general producer Danila Kulikov; acclaimed actor Dmitry Dyuzhev; actors Ilya Yakovlev (Aladan) and Vladimir Okhlopkov (Suntar); and even popular singer Erhan with his military medic son, Ayatal Nikolaev, on vacay. Russian heroes Philipp Yevseyev, Igor Yurgin, and Alexander Kolesov graced the event with their presence too.

Yakutia's Support

Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Anatoly Semyonov, was not empty-handed at the event. He presented producer Danila Kulikov and Dmitry Dyuzhev with letters of gratitude from the Government of Sakha (Yakutia) and traditional Yakutian knives—symbols of victory handed to every soldier in the republic—expressing hope for the filming of the tale of Hero of Russia Andrei Grigoriyev, nicknamed "Tuta."

Accepting the mementos, Danila Kulikov remarked the bravery shown by the actors, their dedication reaching new heights:

The performers in our film, especially those in pivotal roles, showcased extraordinary courage. Until now, 98% of Russian actors were too timid to play in such movies. After filming this, it's impossible to travel to unfriendly countries due to the associated risks. Ivan Okhlobystin even has a target on his back, with the FSB warning him against it.

Kulikov highlighted the importance of this determination, emphasizing the magnitude of love for one's country, a bond as powerful as that of soldiers on the front, on the "information front," a crucial battlefield for minds, children, and homeland. Forging unity is imperative in this battle.

Love for Mother Russia

At a press conference on May 1, Dmitry Dyuzhev echoed Kulikov's sentiments, acknowledging the daily threats and sanctions he endured due to his role in the film, and reaffirming his love for his homeland. Born in Astrakhan, where one-hundred-fifty nationalities reside and Russians are the smallest number, Dyuzhev said:

I'm a product of southern and Siberian cultures. My Russian soul is nestled in temples, while my mind is embedded in the sayings and customs of our diverse peoples.

Kulikov further noted the essential reflection of Russian culture's multiculturalism in their film, underscoring the harmonious living together, blending various beliefs, and collaborating for a just, kind, and truthful future. Notably, he too hails from the north.

Northern Spirits

*I'm from Urals, from Yekaterinburg, which allows me to relate to the Yakutian mindset, their proactivity, and resourcefulness—their ability to thrive in any circumstance and create, cited Kulikov. He praised the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)'s leader—"not just digging up natural resources for the entire nation but also fostering a creative economy and backing film production" —and highlighted the achievements of Yakutian cinema earning international acclaim and even Oscar nominations.

The IT industry and creative sector are experiencing a boom in Yakutia as well, making it a role model for other regions of the Russian Federation in developing creative industries.

Paving the Way

Kulikov shared that Head of Russia's Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, recently emphasized the need for films about the Special Military Operation (SVO) at a meeting with industry representatives. "Our film is a pioneer," Kulikov stated, "paving the way for numerous regions to share their tales of heroes fighting fascism, echoing that of their ancestors during World War II. The evidence gathered by Soviet documentarians at the Nuremberg trials was instrumental in condemning the fascists. Now, we must illustrate our nation's sacrifices and bravery so that everyone—children, families, and workers—can enjoy peace, progress, and growth.

"The First to Walk the Talk"

The film's director, Dmitry Koltcov, applauded the big-Moscow team's commitment that brought their project to fruition, acknowledging Ilya Yakolev, who took on the crucial mission of depicting a hero akin to countless men from Yakutia and the entire nation. Koltcov also expressed gratitude towards Ivan Ivanovich Ohlobystin for entrusting him in various moments and Dmitry Petrovich Duzhev for his glowing approval and reinforcement.

The director ended by expressing eagerness for future work from "free-spirited artists whose convictions align harmoniously with ours."

"Fighting Against All Odds"

At both the press screening and subsequent press conference, the actors fielded questions about their experiences.

Ilya Yakolev, starring as Aldan, talked about his "childhood heroes come to life" co-stars:

Dmitry Petrovich was like a beam of light on set, offering useful guidance.

Dmitry Petrovich instantly reciprocated, confessing:

Ilyusha's performance was so genuine that I questioned my own status, wondering if I'm reaching such an incredible organicity. I even forgot about my part.

We extend our appreciation to you for embodiment of what mere mortals can't achieve, yet you can. Videos of your people's heroic deeds echo globally, emphatically affirming Yakutia's distinctiveness. Thank you for your authenticity and love for your roots.

You honor your traditions and churn out artwork the world falls head over heels for. We hold you up as an inspiration to all authorities and all republics.

And I extend a heartfelt thank you to fate and the producer for allowing me to play the battalion commander—it was a dream realized! You be the judge whether I succeeded or if I'm confined to portraying cosmos characters.

Director Koltcov interjected, "The cosmos image held great import for me!"

After viewing the film, one spectator, Lyubov Syrovatskaya, shared her sentiments to Dmitry Duzhev: "You're out of this world to Yakutians!" thanking him on behalf of those with family members currently at the front for this "essential film that portrayed the heroics of our guys".

"A Truly Yakut Production"

Gulzhan Ogonyanova, representing the Public Chamber of the RS(Y) and the Youth Center "Patriot," spoke:

Thank you for the film—an honest portrayal of life. You've performed a great deed, memorializing the experiences of SVO participants. A precious tribute to heroes who made such a film at this crucial juncture. You've displayed the essence of our nation's culture. Many will reassess their values after this—appreciating the world, life, neighbors, friends, and comrades in a different light.

Prototype of the main character, Nikolai Potapov, thanked the "Aladan" creators for keeping their promise: "Back in December 2022, when I was recovering from my injury in the hospital, the producer called me for permission to adapt my story. I said, 'Let it be a medic, and let him not kill anyone, because I was a medic and I didn't kill anyone'."

Actor from the Youth Theatre, Vladimir Okhlopkov, who played the part of Suntar, was at the press screening with his wife: "Both my wife and I cherished the film. I recalled our past ventures—shooting 'Cranes over the Ilmen' and 'Sniper in Sakha' 20 years ago—when we worked with minimal resources, barely any equipment. But look at the possibilities, the resources we have now!"

Deputy Prime Minister, Anatoly Semenov, who supported all stages of the film's creation, thanked Danila Kulikov and Dmitry Koltsov for the forthcoming presence of the Yakut language—a cornerstone of Yakutian identity—on screens across the nation starting May 1:

"There's a sense of Yakutia in this film. Dmitry Koltsov approaches everything with great diligence. Thank you for that."

"A Testament to Truth"

"This is a comprehensive account of an individual's journey that encompasses national pride: it features raw, almost documentary footage and mystical elements," noted Dmitry Dyuzhev.

Regarding the controversial topic of black transplantation, Kulikov explained:

"Our principal antagonist is played by Louis Pierre Bruno—an actor with multiple notable projects under his belt, who deemed it ideologically crucial to collaborate on our project."

"We're crafting a film about truth," Dmitry Dyuzhev insisted. "Life does not cease here and now. Life is the legacy we leave behind on Earth."

"The leader of the republic, Aisen Sergeyevich Nikolaev, and Anatoly Askalonovich Semenov, and the governor of Zaporozhye region, Yevgeny Vitalyevich Balitsky, deserve gratitude for their backing," the production crew repeated time and again.

On the issue of release, the producer said, "Aladan" is set to screen nationwide, with the only exception being some regions where the premiere will take place on May 15th or June 1st. The team plans to run the film while audiences express interest. If the EAIS data serves as a benchmark, Aldan's attendance currently averages 15 viewers per screening (usually 6), but the most significant responsibility is showcasing the movie to the nation's "samurais" and "Yakuts."

Dmitry Koltsov, the director of the film "Yakut Warrior", acknowledged the bravery of the actors, stating that 98% of Russian actors are not willing to participate in such movies due to potential risks.
Accepting gifts from the Government of Sakha (Yakutia), producer Danila Kulikov highlighted the importance of the actors' dedication, comparing it to the determination of soldiers on the battlefield, especially on the "information front".
At a press conference, Dmitry Dyuzhev, one of the actors in the film, echoed Kulikov's sentiments, reaffirming his love for his homeland and acknowledging the daily threats and sanctions he faced due to his role in the film.
Anatoly Semyonov, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), presented traditional Yakutian knives to producer Danila Kulikov and Dmitry Dyuzhev, expressing hope for the filming of the tale of Hero of Russia Andrei Grigoriyev, nicknamed "Tuta".
During the premier of the movie "Yakut Warrior", noteworthy personalities were present, including acclaimed actor Dmitry Dyuzhev, actors Ilya Yakovlev and Vladimir Okhlopkov, popular singer Erhan with his military medic son, Ayatal Nikolaev, and even heroes from the Special Military Operations, such as Philipp Yevseyev, Igor Yurgin, and Alexander Kolesov.