The RUSSIA EXPO hosted the All-Russian premiere of the feature film “Commander”

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On January 25, the RUSSIA EXPO hosted the all-Russian premiere of the “Commander” feature film.

The story centers on Gennady Zaitsev, a Hero of the Soviet Union, who devoted his entire life to protecting the national interests of his Motherland, who wrote glorious pages in the annals of the legendary anti-terrorist unit Alpha. His whole life path is a bright and rapid rise up the social ladder: a boy from a remote Ural village, who grew up without a father in a large family, managed not only to survive the hardships of military childhood and post-war devastation, but also to stand at the origins of the Alpha unit, achieving recognition and being in the ranks of the real defenders of the Fatherland.

The movie is based on real events from the life of Gennady Zaitsev. The film shows his path from childhood to appointment as commander of Alpha, as well as the events of December 1988, when in the city of Ordzhonikidze (now Vladikavkaz) terrorists took 33 children, a teacher and a driver hostage. The most difficult rescue operation unfolds under Zaytsev's leadership.

The role of the legendary Major-General is performed by Kirill Zaitsev, well known to viewers for the movies Silver Skates, Movement Up, The Last Bogatyr: The Root of Evil. The movie also stars Artem Tkachenko, Sergei Makhovikov, Vladimir Zaitsev, Alexei Shevchenkov, Anatoly Kotenev, Boris Kamorzin, Mikhail Bespalov, Vadim Galygin and others. The directors were Alexander Guryanov and Timur Khvan.

"When we met Gennady Nikolaevich Zaitsev, I realized - I have to make a movie about him. This is the pride of Russia, the pride of the Soviet Union," said the director and producer of the movie Timur Khvan.

Timur Khvan noted that the premiere of the “Commander” movie at the Exposition is a unique event.

"It is a great honor for our team to present the film exactly within the framework of the Exposition, where one can see the riches and achievements of our Motherland. From the entire team of the film, I would like to thank the Directorate of the Exhibition of Achievements "Russia" for the opportunity to hold the all-Russian premiere of the film on the main platform of the country. We are here thanks to the Exposition team," he said.

Gennady Zaitsev admitted that at first he was skeptical about the idea of making a film about himself.

"But Timur Timofeevich insisted. And somehow, I slowly changed my opinion. I liked the movie very much, it is wonderful: producers, directors, excellent acting team. Here I look at Nikita Zaitsev - frankly speaking, I even see the similarities between us," said the commander of Group "A" (Alpha) of the KGB of the USSR in 1977-1988, Hero of the Soviet Union Gennady Zaitsev.

"I became interested in the project when I read the script of the picture, I saw the full potential of this story. When we met Gennady Nikolaevich, all questions about my participation in this picture disappeared. And the third point: how Zaitsev can not agree to play Zaitsev?" said the actor, the performer of the main role of Kirill Zaitsev.

Kirill Zaitsev also noted that before shooting he read the book by Gennady Zaitsev “Special Forces Alpha - Cases and People”.

"After that, the work began. I admire the fighters of Alpha, who are always ready to risk their own lives to save the lives of others, that is, you and me," admitted Kirill Zaitsev.

"We are proud of our movie production. And in this case, we are also very proud of a great man - Gennady Nikolayevich Zaitsev. By his own example he shows all the young people of our country how to behave, how you can get from a small town in the Urals to Moscow and become a big man. Our media holding supported this movie. During two months of broadcasting on large street screens all over the country the advertisement of this movie will be seen by more than 40 million Russians," said Konstantin Major, CEO of MAER.

Deputy Director General of the ANO «Directorate of the Exhibition of Achievements "Russia"» Anastasia Zvyagina noted the symbolism of the fact that the premiere of the film takes place exactly at the Exposition.

"I would like to thank the film's team for choosing our Exposition for the premiere. We have invited viewers from all regions of the country to today's screening. We hope that they will like the picture, and that the fame of this movie will run ahead of the movie itself. The film and the Exposition have a lot in common. Both the Exposition and the movie are about people, about people's achievements, about the country and, of course, about love. About love for people, for your Motherland," said Deputy Director General of the ANO «Directorate of the Exhibition of Achievements "Russia"» Anastasia Zvyagina.

The International RUSSIA EXPO is the most important achievements of the country gathered on one site. During the whole time of the Exposition, guests are welcomed by cultural events, a rich business and educational program. The expositions of 89 Russian regions, leading federal departments, corporations and public organizations are presented to the visitors.