Tolik's life is falling apart: his sports career never took off, his wife left him for another man, and he has lost faith in himself. Everything changes after a chance encounter with the eccentric Anna Ilyinichna, who offers him a chance to participate in an unusual marathon in the USA. Anna dreams of winning the race and taking home a prize of one million dollars. Tolik, though cynical, agrees to the adventure: he will train Anna, and if they win, they will split the prize. Ahead of them lies the most important race of their lives. The film was shot in Novorossiysk, a bit in Gelendzhik, and the American scenes were filmed in Los Angeles. The director notes that the production was challenging: strong winds in Crimea and torrential rains in California seriously hindered the work, creating difficulties both in Russia and the USA.

Filming Locations:

Road

In the Movie

Scene where after an unsuccessful attempt to 'save' an elderly woman who wasn't actually drowning, Tolik heads to a cafe where his wife and daughter are already waiting for him. He races along the highway in his car to make it to the family gathering.

In Reality

The scene was filmed near the Memorial 'Line-Defense Frontier' in Novorossiysk. This is a majestic monument located at the entrance to the city, commemorating the heroic defense during the Great Patriotic War. Nearby stretches a wide steppe with picturesque views of the mountains and the sea, and around the memorial there are spacious open areas allowing for large panoramic shots.

Bench on the Square

In the Movie

Scene where after training, Tolik and Anna Ilyinichna sit on a bench while he checks her pulse. She calmly looks at him and, catching her breath, suggests they go to her place to eat pea soup. Tolik hesitates for a moment but then agrees – the offer was too tempting.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on a cape near the Monument to Fallen Fishermen in Novorossiysk. It was erected in memory of tragic events related to the harsh working conditions and dangers faced by local fishermen. It is a symbol of respect for those who never returned from the sea, whose labor was an integral part of life in this coastal city. The cape where the memorial is located adds drama to the overall picture. Here one always feels the presence of the sea – the sound of waves, the wind that blows among the rocks, and the smell of salt in the air. This place is both majestic and sad, emphasizing the inseparable connection of Novorossiysk with the sea and the fates of those who dedicated their lives to it.

Bay

In the Movie

Scene where after gathering his things in a lifeguard booth on the shore of the bay, Tolik gets into his car and is about to leave. However, at the last moment he notices that the elderly woman has disappeared from his sight. Thinking she might have drowned, he rushes to the water to save her.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in Golubaya Bay, a picturesque spot on the Black Sea coast surrounded by rocky cliffs and covered with dense pine forests. This is a secluded bay with clear azure water that shimmers beautifully in the sun. The coastline combines sandy and pebble beaches, transitioning into small cozy coves. Yachts and fishing boats are often seen here, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and a leisurely seaside rhythm. In the distance, white cliffs and hills overgrown with juniper are visible, giving the landscape a special cinematic quality.