Filming for the feature about the pilot-heroine Lydia Litvyak commenced at the 28 Panfilovtsev studio near Orenburg, according to the press service of the regional government. The project, a collaboration that brings together a notable ensemble, is moving forward under the direction of Andrei Shalopa and features Polina Chernyshova, Pyotr Rykov, Evgeny Tkachuk, Victoria Solovyova, and several others in key roles as the cast works to bring this wartime story to life. The narrative centers on Litvyak, a celebrated Hero of the Soviet Union, and the brave Soviet fighter pilots who flew combat sorties in the skies during the Great Patriotic War. The production team has chosen authentic settings to portray those days, including a filming site near the village of Panika in the Pugachevsky district of the Orenburg region, where the atmosphere of the frontline years is meticulously recreated. This sequence aims to capture the intensity and resolve of air battles and the camaraderie among the pilots that defined that era. The production notes emphasize the historical scope and the commitment to visual accuracy, with a focus on depicting both the personal courage of Litvyak and the larger, high-stakes aerial operations that marked the period. The summer airfield used to depict the air regiment’s operations is being staged within the Sol-Iletsk urban area as well as other locations across the Orenburg region, chosen for their ability to mirror the look and mood of wartime airbases. The project continues under the support of local municipal authorities, with filming slated to extend through late June, ensuring enough time to cover a range of scenes and to refine the action sequences, camera work, and overall production design. In parallel, industry news notes that actor Alexei Gavrilov, known for his role as Gosha Rudkovsky in the television series Univer, has indicated a readiness to reprise the part should the opportunity arise during future shoots or reshoots. This potential return underscores the collaborative and dynamic nature of the project, with the team keeping options open to enhance the storytelling. Earlier, there were lighthearted reports about Mitya Fomin joining in a scene that featured a playful moment involving creamy noodles, illustrating the film’s blend of serious wartime drama with lighter character moments that humanize the period. The production, while anchored in a historical frame, also aims to present the lived experience of soldiers and civilians from that era, balancing authenticity with accessible storytelling for contemporary audiences in Russia and beyond. The ongoing work on the set reflects a careful choreography of location shoots, studio scenes, and on-location captures, all designed to convey the resilience and sacrifice that defined the Soviet fighter corps and their unforgettable leader, Lydia Litvyak, to viewers who appreciate historically grounded cinema. Attentive script development and direction help ensure that the film speaks to both experts in military history and general audiences, inviting them to witness a nuanced portrayal of heroism, strategy, and the human elements that shaped the air war over the Soviet skies. The production’s progress remains a focal point for local cultural and cinematic communities, who view it as an opportunity to showcase regional landscapes while paying homage to the pilots and their remarkable legacy. The team continues to coordinate with regional authorities to manage logistics, safety, and scheduling, aiming to deliver a compelling cinematic experience that honors the memory of the pilots and the enduring spirit of resilience they embodied — attribution: Press service of the governor and regional government.
