The film was shot in various locations in Moscow, which perfectly convey the atmosphere of the late 1980s. One of the key locations is the building at 13 Myasnitskaya Street, where the main character Leonid Filimonov works. Another important filming location is 19/16 Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street, where the medical workers' theater is located, where Lida, played by Tatyana Dogileva, works.
The Bitsa Equestrian Complex served as the backdrop for the artists' vernissage scenes, highlighting the cultural changes of that time. Herzen Street also appears in the film, where scenes with Lida's amateur artistic performances take place. The Church of the Ascension of the Lord at Nikitsky Gate adds historical depth to the film's visual narrative.

Filming Locations:

Svet Store

In the Film

Scene where Lida buys an iron at the Svet store. She enters and starts looking at the shelves with goods. Carefully choosing between different models, Lida shows interest in the quality and functionality of the irons. She talks to the seller, asking questions about the features and getting advice, which emphasizes her practical approach to shopping. After she makes her choice, Lida goes to the cash register and pays for the item, demonstrating her independence and self-reliance. With a satisfied expression, she leaves the store with a new iron in her hands.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at 22 Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street, where an apartment building built in 1904-1905 by architect K.V. Treiman is located. This building is situated at the corner of Bolshaya Nikitskaya and Khlynovsky Dead End and is a valuable cultural heritage site. With its characteristic architecture and historical context, this building creates a plausible backdrop for events related to bureaucracy and simple joys of life. The scene of buying an iron in a store on this street emphasizes the contrast between everyday life and the inner experiences of the characters. Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street, with its shops and cheerful atmosphere, helps create a sense of reality and closeness to the lives of ordinary people. Thus, this place became not only a beautiful backdrop but also an important element that enhances the emotional weight of the scene.

Main Directorate of Free Time

In the Film

Scene where Leonid Filimonov comes to the Main Directorate of Free Time. He enters the building with visible tension. Immediately after entering, he encounters colleagues who are discussing current affairs and sharing their concerns. Filimonov tries to participate in the conversation, but his thoughts are clearly occupied with something else. He walks past offices where officials are doing routine work and feels growing pressure from the system. In the boss's office, a meeting awaits him where plans to improve the leisure of the population are discussed, but instead of a constructive dialogue, only a formal discussion takes place. Filimonov tries to express his ideas but faces bureaucratic barriers and dissatisfaction from colleagues.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at 13С4 Myasnitskaya Street in Moscow. This building, representing typical Moscow architecture, resembles an office or administrative institution, which is ideal for depicting the life of the main character, high-ranking official Leonid Filimonov. Filming at this location allows showing the contrast between the bureaucratic environment and the personal experiences of the characters. The building, with its strict lines and functional design, creates a plausible backdrop for scenes related to Filimonov's work and his interactions with colleagues. Moreover, this place symbolizes the social changes and challenges people face during the perestroika period. Scenes filmed here help emphasize the inner conflicts of the characters and their desire for freedom under the constraints of the bureaucratic system.

Medical Workers' Theater

In the Film

Scene where Leonid Filimonov inspects the medical workers' theater. He enters the hall where a rehearsal is taking place. Immediately, he notices the energetic actors enthusiastically performing their roles. Filimonov tries to focus on evaluating the play, but his thoughts are constantly distracted by personal experiences and doubts. He watches Lida, who is actively participating in the rehearsal, and his heart fills with conflicting feelings. Filimonov asks the actors questions about the production, trying to find out details and understand the concept. However, his attempts to engage in constructive dialogue clash with the informal atmosphere of the theater, where creativity and freedom of expression reign. At some point, he starts smiling and even laughing, forgetting about his duties.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at 19/16 Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street in Moscow. Currently, this building houses the Moscow Musical Theater Helikon-Opera, which was founded in 1990. The choice of this location for filming was due to the theater's low attendance, which allowed the film crew to work in a calmer environment. The atmosphere of the theater was ideal for conveying the spirit of amateur artistic performance that the character Lida aspired to. Additionally, the theater building has historical significance and represents a cultural institution where creative people work. Scenes filmed here helped create a contrast between the bureaucratic reality of the main character and the free expression of the artists.