The Musician” Filming Moves to a New Region After On‑Site Tensions
A Russian feature titled The Musician, which centers on Moscow’s view of recent events in Ukraine, is being relocated to a different region. Earlier, production in Tver was halted after footage showed military equipment bearing a Ukrainian flag in the city streets. This incident was reported to socialbites.ca by the press service of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. The ministry noted that the search for a new filming site is already underway.
The Ministry of Culture confirmed it is monitoring the situation closely. Officials stated they have reached out to regional authorities and the film’s producers. They criticized the regional film commission responsible for coordinating shoot locations with the area and obtaining filming permissions, saying its work has been insufficient. The production in Tver has been paused, and while the project will proceed, it will shift to a different subject matter where the film commission can operate more effectively and professionally. The press office added that the new location is being selected.
Earlier, the Tver authorities announced the cancellation of the shoot for The Musician, a film about Russia’s operations in Ukraine, after images of a military convoy displaying a Ukrainian flag circulated on social media. Regional governor Igor Rudenya approved the decision, noting that the authorities must review not only permission documents but also the script in advance and discuss with the crew exactly what would be filmed.
A video showing a column of military vehicles with a Ukrainian flag circulated online on November 26, prompting management to explain that the film project was underway in the city at that time. The case highlights the ongoing sensitivity around how scenes are planned, approved, and depicted in relation to current events and regional policies.
Industry observers point out that moving production to a new region requires careful coordination with local authorities, script review for compliance with regional regulations, and clear communication with local communities. Filmmakers emphasize that even with relocation, the goal remains to complete the production while maintaining safety, legal compliance, and a respectful approach to the complex political context surrounding the depicted events. [attribution: Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, official press release]