The filming of the feature film dedicated to the legendary two-time Olympic champion Yuri Tyukalov took place in St. Petersburg, Leningrad Oblast, Moscow, and Sochi. Artyom Mikhalkov noted that the film tells not only about sports achievements but also about the fates of people, their relationships, difficult life decisions, tragedies, and overcoming fears. The main theme of the film is an indomitable will to win. The director emphasized that rowing, as one of the most beautiful sports, is presented in cinema for the first time on such an unprecedented scale.

Filming Locations:

Rowing Club 'Krasnoye Znamya'

In the Film

Scene where Before us is the rowing club 'Krasnoye Znamya', one of the oldest sports clubs in St. Petersburg. It was founded in 1888 as the Imperial River Yacht Club. After the 1917 revolution, the club received a new name — 'Krasnoye Znamya' — and became an important part of the history of Soviet sports. Many outstanding athletes, including Olympic champions in rowing, trained here, preparing for their triumphant performances.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on Petrovsky Island in St. Petersburg, located near the exit to the Gulf of Finland. The film scenes were not shot at the actual location of the rowing club. Specially built sets were created for the film, fully reproducing the atmosphere and appearance of the 'Krasnoye Znamya' club.

Fort

In the Film

Scene where Little Yura Tyukalov, together with his father, finds himself under bombing during the Great Patriotic War. An explosion occurs, and the father, protecting his son, instantly shields him with his body, falling to the ground. The explosion behind them scorches the earth, raising a cloud of fire and dust.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Fort 'Rif' in Kronstadt. This sea fort was built in the mid-19th century to defend St. Petersburg and is a massive brick structure with powerful walls, narrow windows, and spacious inner courtyards. Located on a small artificial island in the Gulf of Finland, the fort is surrounded by water, enhancing the sense of isolation. The combination of the harsh nature of the gulf and 19th-century architecture makes 'Rif' an impressive location for recreating war events.

Neva River

In the Film

Scene where Yura Tyukalov, dressed in a training uniform, confidently leads his boat, immersed in the rhythmic movement of the oars. His face expresses concentration — every movement is filled with a striving for perfection. In the background, we see beautiful views of the main river of the Northern capital — the Neva.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on the Neva, a symbol of St. Petersburg, stretching 74 kilometers from Lake Ladoga to the Gulf of Finland. It is famous for its wide water expanses, stone embankments, and magnificent views of the historic city center. The banks of the Neva are adorned with architectural masterpieces such as the Winter Palace, the Admiralty, the Peter and Paul Fortress, and St. Isaac's Cathedral.