Director Biography - Vadim Shmelyov

Vadim Shmelyov (imdb nm 1475358 ) was born on August 30, 1967 in the USSR. Graduated from LGITMiK (SPATI) with a degree in drama director (1990-1995).

Director Statement

“The fact that the film was shot on the actual historic location and with genuine WWII military equipment is very important. But I am absolutely convinced that no film can be a success without a tight-knit, professional team. And this film had exactly that kind of team.” – Vadim Shmelyov, Production Director

“An exact replica of the 1941 Ilyinsky defense line was constructed a small distance away from the original site, which is now a residential area. The film set included an artificial river, village, pillboxes, a bridge and a section of the Warsaw highway. For complete authenticity the film set was created using archive materials including aerial photographs.

Historians, historical reconstructors and archaeologists provided invaluable assistance in the recreation of the Ilyinsky defense line at the VoenFilm studio grounds near the town of Medyn. The screenplay, props and outfits were subjected to thorough scrutiny by a committee of WWII experts. Volunteers helped with set construction, and local residents took part as extras in mass scenes.

Vadim Zadorozhny's Vehicle Museum provided many original Soviet and German tanks, all in full working order. The UMMC's Museum of Military Vehicles, the Padikovo Museum of Russian military history, and restorers from the Trophy Vehicles Project, Military Hangar Museum, and Motors of War Museum also provided invaluable assistance in the production of the film.” – Igor Ugolnikov, Producer