The film was shot in several key locations that played an important role in creating its unique atmosphere. The main scenes take place in Moscow, where the central location is the Palace of Pioneers on the Lenin Hills, symbolizing childhood and dreams of space. Also important moments unfold at secondary school No. 297.
Some shots were filmed in Kaluga, near the K.E. Tsiolkovsky State Museum of the History of Cosmonautics, which adds historical significance to the film. In Crimea, at a military training ground on Cape Opuk, alien landscapes were created that gave the film a fantastic look. Yalta also became part of the filming, adding natural beauty to the scenes.
Zelenograd became the location for filming scenes related to the starship Zarya making contact after a long silence. These diverse locations helped create an atmosphere of adventure and exploratory spirit, making the film a cult favorite among viewers.

Filming Locations:

Meeting of Panfyorova and I.O.O. by the Pond

In the Movie

The scene where Katya Panfyorova meets I.O.O., who is a mysterious and influential character. At the beginning of the meeting, Katya stands on the shore of the pond, lost in thought, when I.O.O. approaches her. He starts a conversation, asking questions about her feelings and expectations regarding the upcoming space flight. Katya expresses her fears and dreams, sharing her thoughts about what it means to leave Earth and venture into the unknown. I.O.O. listens attentively, sometimes encouraging and guiding her reflections. During the conversation, they discuss the importance of their mission and how it will affect their lives.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Ostankino Pond in Moscow, which made this location especially suitable for conveying the film's atmosphere. The Ostankino Pond is located in a picturesque area of Moscow, and its calm waters create a romantic and dreamy backdrop for the dialogue between the characters. The choice of this location was due not only to its beauty but also to its symbolic connection to space because of its proximity to the Ostankino TV Tower, which is associated with high technology and space exploration. The pond, surrounded by greenery, emphasizes the contrast between earthly nature and the cosmic ambitions of the heroes, reflecting their inner experiences and aspirations. Furthermore, the tranquility of the water and the surrounding nature create an atmosphere of seclusion, allowing the characters to openly discuss their feelings and fears. This scene becomes an important moment in the development of the plot, highlighting themes of friendship and responsibility for the future.

Cosmonaut Training Center

In the Movie

The scene where Misha Kopanygin and other crew members are in the training hall, where they are instructed on the basics of working on the starship. The heroes listen attentively to the lecture, sitting at tables with diagrams and blueprints of the ship Zarya laid out. Kopanygin, possessing a phenomenal memory, quickly memorizes complex data and even corrects the instructor, earning admiration from his comrades. After the theoretical part, the team moves on to practical exercises. The teenagers try their hand at simulators that imitate weightlessness, where they learn to control their bodies in the absence of gravity. Kopanygin demonstrates excellent results but also helps less experienced comrades cope with tasks, showing his kindness and leadership qualities. Fedya Lobanov, trying to show his agility, accidentally starts one of the simulators not according to instructions, causing a small chaos and laughter among the team. However, the situation quickly defuses thanks to the intervention of Kopanygin and the instructor. The scene ends with the heroes gathering together to discuss the results of the training, full of enthusiasm and readiness for new challenges.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Palace of Pioneers on Vorobyovy Gory, which made this location especially suitable for conveying the spirit of youth and the pursuit of knowledge. The Palace, built in 1962, became a symbol of Soviet modernism and a place where the younger generation could develop their talents and dream about the future. The choice of this location is due to the fact that it embodies the ideals of the pioneer movement and children's creativity, which fits perfectly into the context of a film about the space adventures of teenagers. The architecture of the palace, with its open spaces and modern forms, creates an atmosphere of inspiration and striving for new heights. Furthermore, the location on Vorobyovy Gory provides picturesque views of Moscow, which enhances the sense of scale and significance of the upcoming mission. The natural surroundings, with their greenery and tranquility, contrast with the tension of preparation for the flight, creating a unique atmosphere for the scene. This place became an ideal backdrop for exploring themes of friendship, responsibility, and the desire to explore space.

Vitya Sereda's School

In the Movie

The scene where Vitya Sereda comes to his school, he enthusiastically approaches a group of classmates standing at the entrance. Vitya begins to tell about the recruitment for the space flight crew, his eyes burning with excitement. Pasha Kozelkov, hearing this, quickly runs up to him and starts asking questions about the details of the competition, showing keen interest. Classmates surround them, listening to the conversation and asking about the opportunities that open up before them. Someone jokes and encourages Vitya, adding lightness to the atmosphere. Vitya and Pasha discuss the need to urgently go to Moscow to participate in the selection, ignoring remarks about tests. The scene is full of youthful energy, where each of the heroes dreams of space adventures and supports each other in striving for new heights. In the end, they decide to ignore school worries and focus on their common dream.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at school No. 297 in Moscow. This location was ideal for filming due to its architecture and atmosphere, which reflect the spirit of the Soviet era and school life. School No. 297, still functioning, has become a symbol of education and youth, which provides context for discussing the dream of space and space adventures. The spacious courtyard and surrounding greenery create a sense of openness and friendliness, emphasizing the interaction between the characters. Furthermore, this educational institution is actively associated with children's films and culture, which adds an additional layer of significance to the scene. The exterior of the building has retained its original architecture, allowing viewers to feel nostalgia for the times when dreams of space were especially relevant for young people. Thus, the school became an ideal backdrop for exploring themes of friendship, the desire for adventure, and youthful ambitions.