On September 12, InteRussia Theatre fellows had the opportunity to step away from their usual routine and spend a day at Gorky Film Studio, one of the most iconic names in the history of Russian cinema. During the visit, they toured the soundstages where legendary films were made and gained rare insight into how film sets are designed, built, and lit.
Founded in 1915, Gorky Film Studio is the second oldest film studio in Russia. It began as the Rus' film production unit, established by Kostroma merchant Mikhail Trofimov, and over the following decades the studio changed names and focus several times — including a period as the world's first studio dedicated to children's films — before being named after writer Maxim Gorky in 1948. By the end of the Soviet Union, the studio had produced more than 1,000 films, including celebrated titles such as "The Dawns Here Are Quiet," "Seventeen Moments of Spring," and "And Quiet Flows the Don," many of which remain landmarks of Russian cultural heritage. Today, the studio continues to operate as one of the country's leading centers for film and television production.
The visit began with a guided tour of the studio's soundstages. They explored how sets are conceived, built, and lit, gaining a rare perspective on the technical craftsmanship behind every scene that ends up on screen. From production offices to prop rooms filled with decades of cinematic history, each stop offered a new layer of insight into the filmmaking process.
Beyond the tour itself, fellows had the chance to speak with studio professionals about their work, projects and possible options for cooperation.Experiences like this are a core part of our fellowship program, which aims to give participants exposure to industries and environments beyond their everyday work. By stepping outside familiar settings and engaging directly with professionals in the field, fellows broaden their understanding of different creative and technical disciplines.
The visit to Gorky Film Studio was met with enthusiasm from participants, many of whom left with a newfound appreciation for the art and craft of filmmaking.
The InteRussia Fellowship in Theatre Arts is implemented by Mezhdunarodniki Autonomous Non-Profit Organisation in cooperation with the Gorchakov Fund, GITIS and TV BRICS International Media Network. The programme is implemented as part of Rossotrudnichestvo’s flagship New Generation initiative with grant support from the Presidential Grants Foundation.