A screening of the documentary project "Thy Ways" took place at the National Centre

On February 13, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted a pre-premiere screening of the travel film "Thy Ways" for veterans of the Special Military Operation and representatives of the clergy. It was created in partnership with the "Defenders of the Fatherland" fund, the Internet Development Institute (IDI), and the Interreligious Council of Russia. The film project, which narrates spiritual quests and the search for answers to eternal questions, elicited a strong response from the audience. 

"Thy Ways" is a documentary project in which the journey of three main characters becomes a deep exploration of the human soul. According to the plot, Archpriest Viktor Ivanov, Imam Hamza Hafizov, and actor Ilya Glinnikov embark on a journey of over 2000 kilometers from Ufa to Donetsk to support servicemen and deliver humanitarian aid. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

On the road, they meet representatives of various faiths, discussing with them questions of existence, the unity of religions, the purpose of human life, and talking about faith, good, and evil. Through communication, the heroes discover points of intersection between religions. At the end of the journey in Donbas, they realize how close their worldviews are and how significant universal values become in challenging times.

The film screening took place in an atmosphere of special unity. Among the evening's guests were veterans of the special military operation and representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist communities, highlighting the film's interreligious message and its relevance in the modern world. 

"Today, our heroes of different faiths stand shoulder to shoulder in defending the interests of the Motherland. As they return to peaceful life, many go through spiritual quests. They find answers to their questions in mercy, compassion, and mutual support — universal values that unite all world religions. 'Thy Ways' is not just a film about the road to spiritual values; it is a comprehensive exploration of the unity of religions, human purpose, relationships with God, and the search for answers to eternal questions. The film teaches us to see each person as an individual with emotions, doubts, and hopes. After watching the film, one feels inspired to create and make the world a better place. This means that the creators' goal has been achieved, as our strength is truly in unity," said State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, as well as Chairperson of the "Defenders of the Fatherland" fund, Anna Tsivileva.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

The first viewers also noted the unique format of the film, the selection of the main characters, and the constructive message of intercultural, interethnic, and interfaith concord.  

""Thy Ways' is one of the most original documentary projects I have seen. How many road movies feature priests in the leading roles? This makes the project easy to watch, despite its complex themes. It meets the audience's demand for understanding themselves, their history, culture, what is happening in the country, and how people live on the neighboring street. It is impossible to uncover these themes without reflecting different nationalities, peoples, and representatives of various faiths in the media, who are ready to unite for a common goal," noted the Director General of the Internet Development Institute, Alexei Goreslavsky.

The "Defenders of the Fatherland" fund conducts substantial work in organizing cultural activities for the heroes of the special operation and their families. Since its inception, the fund has organized more than 20,000 events. As part of the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland declared by the head of state, this work will continue.