Screening and Premiere of the Feature Film 20/22
The first public screening of the feature film 20/22 took place in Moscow, revealing a cinematic exploration of recent military operations. The project is guided by the Internet Development Institute, which oversees its progress and production. This screening marks a significant moment in presenting a complex chapter of contemporary history through documentary storytelling and cinematic perspective, filmed in the very region where the events unfolded.
A committed team led by director Andrei Simonov and producer Andrei Kretov presented the work, with performances by Aristarkh Venes and Daria Kukarskikh. A broad cadre of creative professionals contributed across disciplines to shape a project that aims to capture breadth, nuance, and human experience amid conflict. The collaborative effort emphasizes not only the dramatic action but also the lived realities of the people affected by the events depicted.
At the premiere, a ceremonial medal was presented from the Ministry of Defense to Aristarchus Venes in recognition of substantial personal contribution to military cooperation and support for tasks undertaken by the Russian Armed Forces. The moment underscored the film s ties to contemporary military life and the broader conversation about civilian and service member collaboration during critical operations. For Venes, the accolade symbolized more than praise; it represented a milestone crafted through intense collaboration and shared purpose with the film team.
Speaking to the audience, the actor noted that the film carries deep significance for everyone involved. He described the creation process as demanding, undertaken under challenging conditions and driven by a sincere, unwavering commitment to tell a story that would matter to viewers in classrooms, living rooms, and community settings alike. The emotional weight of the project, he suggested, stemmed from a belief in communicating varied perspectives and human experiences that emerge in times of conflict.
Director Andrei Simonov offered insights into the film s early reception and the social demand for a work that presents multiple viewpoints. He explained that the project sought to illuminate not only the perspective of opponents of the war but also that of supporters, civilians who witnessed events firsthand, and combatants who fought on different sides. The aim was to craft a broad cinematic canvas inviting audiences to observe the complexities of the situation and draw their own nuanced conclusions after engaging with the material on screen.
Industry leadership weighed in with remarks about the project. The general director of the Institute for Regional Inquiry, Alexei Goreslavsky, described 20/22 as among the first large scale productions focused on the subject of the special military operation. He highlighted the film s distinctive approach, noting a blend of authentic human experiences, a historical backdrop, and an original cinematic frame. The production involved filming in the conflict zone and featured real residents of the region, war correspondents, and writers connected to regional defense structures. This combination, he argued, contributes to a sharper, more immediate portrayal of events and lends credibility to the storytelling by grounding it in lived reality rather than purely speculative or fictionalized accounts.
The premiere audience included military families, press and media professionals, bloggers, local administrators, public organizations, and representatives from the film and media industries. Their presence underscored the project s significance within broader conversations about how contemporary conflicts are documented and interpreted in popular culture. The screening also served as a forum for dialogue among varied stakeholders seeking to understand the human dimensions of the operation and its lasting impact on communities and individuals alike.
As the project moves forward, the serial adaptation is already available on the national portal and there are plans for an evening broadcast on Channel 1 on February 23 and 24. This continued rollout reflects a growing appetite for long form storytelling that engages with recent history through a cinematic lens and invites audiences to consider multiple viewpoints beyond a single narrative frame. The ongoing distribution and reception of the series are expected to shape discussions about how such material is portrayed and perceived both domestically and internationally, prompting viewers to reflect on the responsibilities of filmmakers to present a textured and responsible depiction of real events.
Notes from industry observers and participants indicate a commitment to presenting a balanced and multi layered portrayal, one that acknowledges diverse experiences and perspectives within a tense historical moment. The project is positioned not merely as entertainment but as a contribution to public discourse, inviting audiences to engage critically with how modern conflicts are understood and remembered across communities and generations.
Cited materials and participation from regional correspondents and local witnesses help anchor the narrative in lived experience. These elements contribute to a sense of immediacy and accountability in the storytelling, aligning with efforts to document recent history with care and integrity. As the dialogue surrounding the film continues, observers anticipate ongoing discussions about the ethical responsibilities of cinema when depicting real events and real people, including those who lived through them and those who reported on them from the front lines.
Source and attribution notes indicate collaboration among industry leaders, contributing writers, and field journalists who together shaped a project that strives to reflect the human dimensions of conflict while offering viewers space to form their own conclusions about the events depicted.