GOMEL, 13 February (BelTA) - Before the special screening of the Soul of a Defender movie at the Kalinin Cinema in Gomel, border guards shared their impressions and emotions from participating in the filming of the movie, BelTA has learned.
A significant part of the film's shooting took place in Gomel Oblast, within the units of the Gomel Border Group. Therefore, at the Kalinin Cinema, before the special screening of the film, the border guards organized interactive displays.
“The filming took place practically without retakes because they were capturing our life and service. These are the real tasks of protecting the state border that our servicemen carry out around the clock," said Aleksei Smagin, Head of the Ideological Work Department of the Gomel Border Group.
Among the heroes of the film, for example, are representatives of one of the Gomel Border Group's dynasty families. “This is the respected Vyglyad dynasty, represented by a father and his two sons. Also featured in the film is the young family of Ekaterina and Vladislav Sviridov. It is gratifying to note that our border guards have taken a prominent place in this film. In essence, nothing was invented. This is a documentary film that shows our daily life. We were carrying out tasks to protect the state border, and that was captured on camera,” Aleksei Smagin emphasized.
Yesterday at the film's premiere in Minsk, Ekaterina Sviridova, together with her husband, graced the red carpet; today she was welcomed at the special screening in Gomel. These bright moments, she noted, will remain in her memory for a long time, just like the filming. “To be honest, I was even a little shocked. In Minsk, people came up to me and thanked me for my service. Believe me, that is very pleasant. I am grateful [to the film's director] Grigory Azaryonok that the film turned out to be so heartfelt. The title truly suits the movie. They managed to show how we, ordinary servicemen and women, protect our country,” Ekaterina shared.
The young woman decided to connect her life with military service while still in school. After the 11th grade, she planned to enroll in the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but then learned about recruitment to the Institute of Border Service. “I immediately realized that I would apply there. It was my final choice. After four years of study, I was assigned to the Gomel Border Group and received my first military rank of 'lieutenant.' Not once over these years have I regretted my choice," she shared her story.
When Ekaterina enrolled in the Institute of Border Service, Vladislav was in his third year, but the couple, and subsequently the family, was formed precisely during their service in the Gomel Border Group.
Ekaterina does not hide the fact that filming in the movie gave her immense experience. “This is my first such experience. It was quite challenging because I had never even appeared in videos before. Yes, this film conveys my entire life, all my emotions. I was simply being myself. I think everything turned out wonderfully. I especially remember the moment when I was asked who my inspiration in life is. Of course, it's my husband Vladislav. He is a true professional in his field. I always admire his bearing, how highly and proudly he carries the title of border guard, and that he never gives up on the way to his goal,” she noted.
Vladislav admits he tried not to focus on the filming process, simply doing his job. He speaks of his wife with tenderness in his voice. “Despite the fact that my wife is a servicewoman, she is very gentle and loving,” he emphasized.
Ekaterina’s face features on posters across the country. “I still can’t believe it. Every time we walk through the city and see these posters, I want to ask my husband if it’s really me. I still can’t believe it all worked out. I am very grateful to the leadership of the Gomel Border Group and the State Border Committee for this chance to show a part of my life and service,” she said, expressing her gratitude.
Ekaterina’s face features on posters across the country. “I still can’t believe it. Every time we walk through the city and see these posters, I want to ask my husband if it’s really me. I still can’t believe it all worked out. I am very grateful to the leadership of the Gomel Border Group and the State Border Committee for this chance to show a part of my life and service,” she said, expressing her gratitude.
Yet her star journey has only just begun: Ekaterina has been cast in the reality show titled as There is a Girl, meaning Belarusian viewers will be seeing more of her on their screens. “This year, everything just fell into place,” she concluded. Incidentally, at the Kalinin Cinema, Ekaterina had her first ever autograph session.
During the pre-screening program, people also had the opportunity to get to know the service members of the Gomel Border Group better, learning more about the specifics of service on the southern frontiers and the border guards’ arsenal. For instance, few people consider how much a serviceman’s gear weighs. It was noted that the body armor alone weighs 18 kg. Border guards wear this equipment constantly, regardless of the season.
The star of the show today was also a fluffy guardian of the frontier. Archie the Jack Russell terrier stands watch alongside his handler. He is four years old. “I’ve had Archie since he was a puppy. We began training when he was just two months old. He has mastered all the basic commands, including Attention and Barrier, and now he has trained to detect weapons, explosives and so on. The great thing about Jack Russells is that they are small in size: Archie can easily check inside cars and buses, which is a real advantage,” a serviceman of the Gomel Border Group said.
The cinema foyer also hosted an exhibition of equipment and weapons, themed photo zones, an exhibition of informational materials titled as Defenders of the Country, and more.
“Special thanks to the command of the Gomel Border Group for organizing these displays. Among today’s audience in the hall are students from the Gomel Oblast Lyceum, who will soon have to choose their future profession. I would be very happy if, after taking part in our event, some of them consider it possible and necessary to dedicate their professional lives to defending the Motherland,” Aleksandr Lavrinenko, Director General of the Gomelkinovideoprokat enterprise, emphasized.
The film was created in collaboration with the State Border Committee, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Defense, filmed on actual locations of the Armed Forces of Belarus. It tells the story of the lives and work of soldiers and commanders of the Armed Forces, border troops, and the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The film’s director is Grigory Azaryonok.
During the pre-screening program, people also had the opportunity to get to know the service members of the Gomel Border Group better, learning more about the specifics of service on the southern frontiers and the border guards’ arsenal. For instance, few people consider how much a serviceman’s gear weighs. It was noted that the body armor alone weighs 18 kg. Border guards wear this equipment constantly, regardless of the season.
The star of the show today was also a fluffy guardian of the frontier. Archie the Jack Russell terrier stands watch alongside his handler. He is four years old. “I’ve had Archie since he was a puppy. We began training when he was just two months old. He has mastered all the basic commands, including Attention and Barrier, and now he has trained to detect weapons, explosives and so on. The great thing about Jack Russells is that they are small in size: Archie can easily check inside cars and buses, which is a real advantage,” a serviceman of the Gomel Border Group said.
The cinema foyer also hosted an exhibition of equipment and weapons, themed photo zones, an exhibition of informational materials titled as Defenders of the Country, and more.
“Special thanks to the command of the Gomel Border Group for organizing these displays. Among today’s audience in the hall are students from the Gomel Oblast Lyceum, who will soon have to choose their future profession. I would be very happy if, after taking part in our event, some of them consider it possible and necessary to dedicate their professional lives to defending the Motherland,” Aleksandr Lavrinenko, Director General of the Gomelkinovideoprokat enterprise, emphasized.
The film was created in collaboration with the State Border Committee, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Defense, filmed on actual locations of the Armed Forces of Belarus. It tells the story of the lives and work of soldiers and commanders of the Armed Forces, border troops, and the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The film’s director is Grigory Azaryonok.
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