Nizhny Novgorod's Record Cultural Center Premieres Yulia Trofimova's Dramatic Film Big Land (18+)
Yulia Trofimova's Big Land Premieres as a Haunting Tale of Renewal
The screening was attended by members of the creative team, who stayed after the film for a Q&A with the audience.
"To Return and Let Go"
At the heart of the story are fictional events unfolding in the present and recent past on a remote island in the Russian Far East. Decades earlier, a tragic incident occurred there. Years later, Marfa—a young, withdrawn woman—suddenly returns to her childhood home with her small son, fleeing the "mainland." Beneath the cliffs where they live, a whale lurks in the bay, capsizing boats. Yet it spares only her.
Over the course of an hour and a half, viewers uncover why she left all those years ago, what happened to her father and stepbrother, and why she ran from her husband. The mystical figure of the whale—an embodiment of fate—intertwines with domestic crime and psychological drama. Tension builds until the very end, and though the resolution may feel unrealistic, justice prevails. Most importantly, by the finale, Marfa overcomes her life crisis.
A Haunting Portrait
Anastasia Kuimova, who plays the lead role, admits that the restless Marfa became deeply personal to her—a character unlike any she had portrayed before.
"The role itself is ambiguous—you can't say she's simply bad or likable because Marfa is multifaceted. She embodies a mix of emotions, some familiar, others confusing, even negative. For me, for my career, this role marked a distinct turning point," Kuimova shared.
—You filmed on the Bruce Peninsula. What was the shoot like?
—Conditions were far from easy—the weather was unpredictable. I wouldn't say it surprised us, but nature there is astonishing. We were the first to film in that location, and every day brought extraordinary emotions. The beauty around us was always breathtaking.
—Why should audiences see this film?
—Because cinema like this hasn't been made in a long time—if ever. It's visually stunning and thought-provoking. I don't think it's a film for everyone, but it will find its audience. I especially hope younger viewers—those under 18—give it a chance.
A Gift to Women
Producer Nadezhda Richter-Gareeva revealed that Artem Bystrov, the actor who plays Marfa's brother (a Nizhny Novgorod native and graduate of the local theater school), had hoped to attend the premiere but was unable to due to scheduling conflicts. He is currently rehearsing Hamlet at the Moscow Art Theatre and sent his greetings to his hometown.
In her view, the film turned out exactly as envisioned.
—I think this film will resonate with many women. Men might find it slightly harder to grasp the sorrow, the truth, and the emotional numbness of our protagonist, but I'm sure they, too, will find a place in their hearts for her. I don't see any pretentious, obscure, or inaccessible meanings in this story, she added.
—The filming location draws a lot of attention. Was there an initial idea to introduce audiences to some new, unexplored place?
—Absolutely, the story was written specifically for the Far East, but we never expected—or even hoped—we'd actually be able to shoot there. It's incredibly remote and expensive, and our budget was extremely tight. We looked at different locations, searching for a lighthouse and a picturesque setting where we could stage the parable that serves as the film's almost sole backdrop. It was crucial for us that the visuals immerse the viewer in this unhurried, contemplative narrative. And we realized nothing else could achieve that same effect. Once we arrived in Primorsky Krai, it became clear: this was the only place it could be. So we took the plunge.
—Does Martha's house still exist? Could it become a cult site for film tourism?
—The house was designed by our production designer, and our team built it literally three weeks before filming began. Leaving it behind wasn't safe—it was just a set, not a livable home. The surrounding forests and rivers are in a restricted area under the peninsula's jurisdiction. But you can approach by water and see the cliffs and lighthouses.
—What was it like filming and swimming in the cold?
—Actually, it was quite warm there. You see that misty atmosphere in the film—that's exactly what we were looking for. We shot in May, but by July, it gets warm and sunny. The water heats up, and overall, it's a very comfortable place to relax.
—Is there a connection between the film's theme and its release just before International Women's Day?
—To me, March 8th is a day of self-love. And we women have every reason to love ourselves, though we often forget that. Sometimes, this lack of self-love leads to incredible consequences—like those our protagonist faces. This story could serve as a kind of antidote, reminding us that life is beautiful, that it goes on no matter what, and that we can always find new meaning in it.
