The debut trailer for the true story drama Volunteer Playlist has just been released, featuring Ivan Yankovsky in the lead role.
The central character, Shtapich, portrayed by Yankovsky, grew up in a family early and faced a rapid dissolution of that life. His ambitions faltered, and by 25 he found himself unemployed after a series of missteps in his career. A turning point comes with his decision to join a search and rescue team, where he steps into an environment defined by purpose, teamwork, and a shared passion for helping others. This new setting offers him the chance to discover a fresh path and rebuild his professional identity alongside people who live and breathe their calling.
As the story unfolds, Shtapich quickly rises to become a standout member of the squad. Yet this ascent does not bring the happiness he seeks. His personal life becomes a knot he cannot untie: a back-and-forth with his former wife and a woman he deeply cares for, known as Doll, played by Mila Ershova. The emotional pull between past relationships and present affections complicates his quest for stability. He clings to the dream of shedding old problems, overcoming addictions, and moving past insecurities by throwing himself into fieldwork with the team. But the narrative reveals that professional success alone cannot heal internal wounds or guarantee lasting peace of mind.
The pilot episode of Volunteer Playlist was shown at the second festival of Russian streaming services Originals +, during a game show that celebrated new works in streaming. The project earned four notable awards, including the main media jury prize, a special commendation from the Russian Association of Casting Directors for original cast selection, and recognitions for original music and for Ivan Yankovsky as the original actor in the piece.
Directed by Maxim Sveshnikov, the project brings together a cast that includes Yankovsky and Ershov, with performances by Shamil Khamatov, Evgenia Gromova, Artem Fedotov, Dmitry Chebotarev, Daria Rudenok, and several other actors who contribute to the ensemble dynamic. The eight-episode series Volunteer Playlist is slated to premiere in 2023 on Okko, the over-the-top cinema platform that streams content exclusively online.