"Tuda" ("There") is a Russian romantic road movie directed and written by Ivan Petukhov, filmed in 2024 and produced by Bazelevs. The leading roles are played by Irina Starshenbaum and Pyotr Fyodorov. Part of the filming took place in Nizhny Novgorod: the frame includes the Fedorovsky Embankment, Bolshaya Pokrovskaya, and other city locations.[1]
About the Film
The story centers on a film actress, Vera, and a taciturn taxi driver, Vadim. What begins as an ordinary city ride turns into a journey of fifteen hundred kilometers: the characters travel from Moscow to Ufa via Vladimir, Nizhny Novgorod, and Kazan. Along the route, two completely different people grow closer, and the trip changes them both.[2] According to the director, the idea for the film grew out of many years of conversations with taxi drivers.[3]
The film was directed and written by Ivan Petukhov; the cinematographer is Pavel Beklemishev; the producers are Lala Rustamova and Timur Asadov. The cast also includes Ingrid Olerinskaya, Vladislav Tiron, and Aleksey Serebryakov.[3] The age rating is 6+.[1]
Filming in Nizhny Novgorod
The film crew worked in Nizhny Novgorod Region in early September 2024; the overall filming period across all the cities was about two months, starting in late summer.[1] Several locations in Nizhny Novgorod were used:[2]
- Fedorovsky Embankment (including the observation deck);
- Bolshaya Pokrovskaya;
- River Station;
- Rowing Canal Embankment;
- Nizhne-Volzhskaya Embankment;
- Zelensky Descent;
- Metro Bridge.
Director Ivan Petukhov noted that in Nizhny Novgorod "you want to film everything you see" — picturesque embankments, views from observation decks, sunsets, and hot-air balloons over the city.[2] Filming in the city was supported by the Nizhny Novgorod Region Film Commission, which has operated since 2021 and assists production crews with finding equipment, obtaining location permits, and arranging road closures.[2]
Release and reception
The film premiered on April 23, 2025, as part of the 47th Moscow International Film Festival; the press conference was held at the October Cinema.[3] The film was released nationwide on May 15, 2025.[1] At the premiere, Irina Starshenbaum said that this was already her third collaboration with director Petukhov, and that cinematographer Pavel Beklemishev, after filming wrapped, retraced the film's route on his own with his family.[3]
Sources
- Nizhegorodskaya Pravda — The film "Tuda" with Starshenbaum, shot in Nizhny Novgorod, will be released in theaters in May (January 30, 2025)
- KP — Nizhny Novgorod — "We finally met in the frame": The film with Irina Starshenbaum and Pyotr Fyodorov was shot in Nizhny Novgorod
- m.7days.ru — Premiere of the romantic road movie "Tuda" held — 7Days.ru