The Filming of the Epic Movie Alexander III has Begun

Gazprom-Media Holding has started filming the docudrama Alexander III.

The movie is being created by Gazprom-Media Holding as part of the historical project cycle Rus about events and personalities that were at the origins of modern Russia, commissioned and supported by PJSC Gazprom. Production: 1-2-3 Production movie company. Distributor: Central Partnership (part of Gazprom-Media Holding). Alexander III will be a direct continuation of the films Petr I. Posledny tsar i pervy imperator (Peter I. The Last Tsar and the First Emperor), Imperatritsy (Empresses), Ekaterina Velikaya (Catherine the Great), and Alexander I. The role of Alexander III will be played by Aleksandr Ilyin Jr.

The film will tell the story of Emperor Alexander III – the Peacemaker who was destined to become a ruler only after the sudden death of his elder brother and the tragic death of his father, Alexander II, who was killed by terrorists. Taking power during one of the most challenging moments of the 19th century, he managed to restore order and stability in the country.

Russia confidently entered European politics under Peter I, began to determine the fate of the continent under Alexander I, and finally established itself as one of the leading world powers under Alexander III. The docudrama addresses the era when the country managed to navigate through a crisis of change and find support in unity and responsibility of power. Alexander III rejected mechanical imitation of Europe. He was convinced that Russia should develop its own path, relying on national values, Orthodoxy, and the internal forces of the country.

His reign became a rare example of how firm and balanced leadership ensures a long period of stability, stimulates the development of domestic industry, infrastructure, Russian culture and art, strengthens national identity, and the international authority of the state.

Shooting took place in iconic Winter, Alexander, Catherine, Gatchina, Stroganov, Yelagin, and Anichkov palaces of St. Petersburg, as well as in the Derzhavin estate. The artistic director of the project is Andrey Kravchuk (Admiral, Soyuz spaseniya (Union of Salvation), Petr I. Posledny tsar i pervy imperator (Peter I. The Last Tsar and the First Emperor), Imperatritsy (Empresses)), and the director is Filipp Yuzhanin.

The main roles will be played by: Aleksandr Ilyin Jr. (Alexander III), Anna Zavtur (Maria Feodorovna), Aleksandr Lazarev Jr. (Alexander II), Denis Kosikov (young Nicholas II), and others.

“Aleksandr III is a ruler of unbreakable will, under whom Russia strengthened its sovereignty and emerged as a great economic power. Our task is to bring to the screen not just a set of historical facts, but the character, actions, and living personality of the man behind his decisions. Judging by the interest with which viewers received the previous movies of the cycle, and the high level of projects already released by the 1-2-3 Production team, part of Gazprom-Media Holding, the new movie has every chance to become no less, if not more, bright and large-scale event. We are implementing this important educational project commissioned and supported by PJSC Gazprom. Such historical and cultural initiatives contribute to preserving historical memory and provide an opportunity for the younger generation to get to know the key milestones of our history more deeply.”

Aleksandr Zharov CEO of Gazprom-Media Holding and general producer of the film

“Alexander III is the continuation of the historical cycle Rus dedicated to personalities who determined Russia’s destiny. In Emperor Alexander III, the ancient Russian dream of a master who will come and restore order was embodied. He was convinced that Russia has its own, special path of development, which relies on Orthodoxy, traditions, and strength. Russia flourished under him and became one of the world’s leading powers. He showed that strong power can be creative, and peace can be strong.”

Andrey Kravchuk Artistic director of the project