Today, 17 August, marked the start of filming of the joint Belarusian-Russian movie Batka Minay: The Partisan Legend chronicling the life of Minay Shmyrev, a Belarusian partisan commander and Hero of the Soviet Union. Director is Igor Ugolnikov, People’s Artist of Russia (August 1941, Brest Fortress). Lead Actor is Alexei Kravchenko, People’s Artist of Russia (star of the iconic war drama Come and See based on the screenplay by Belarusian writer Ales Adamovich). BelTA’s correspondents visited the filming location to see the international crew collaboration (Belarusian/Russian filmmakers) and to learn more about the historical epic.
The filming team has been granted 80 hectares of land with authentic natural sets, partisan dugouts, a reconstructed partisan camp and period military vehicles and equipment.
“For the production of this film, Belarusfilm and VoenFilm have joined forces. Our team has meticulously researched all historical materials, developed the screenplay, and cast the actors. Today, we've begun filming at the natural set locations of Belarusfilm,” Director General of VoenFilm Studio Igor Ugolnikov said.
“Exactly 40 years ago, Alexei Kravchenko, just a boy the, filmed here in Smolevichi in Come and See. Now, four decades later, he returns to portray Batka Minay, the partisan leader. This role was written specifically for Alexei Kravchenko,” Igor Ugolnikov noted.
“I've filmed, worked, and vacationed in Minsk many times, but in 40 years, I'd never been here [to Smolevichi]. It just never worked out. Being here now on the first day of shooting with my colleagues, wonderful actors and our director, means a great deal to me. This team won me over immediately. This film stirs deep emotions in me,” Alexei Kravchenko noted.
"I was overwhelmed with emotion when I saw the lake where Come and See was filmed decades ago," the actor confessed.
The filming of Batka Minay is a landmark event. It honors our shared victory and those historic dates we always commemorate together,” said Dmitry Semyonov, General Director of Belarusfilm Studio.
Igor Ugolnikov noted that the film is scheduled for release in May-June 2026. The movie will narrate the story about Belarus’ partisan resistance movement and the legendary Batka Minay (Minay Shmyrev) who organized a de facto partisan army during the Great Patriotic War
Belarusfilm chief Dmitry Semyonov noted that the studio is currently working on 9 productions (including 3 documentaries) and expressed hope that this partisan film will resonate deeply with audiences.
Follow us on:
