Nizhny Novgorod is getting closer to the title of Russia's cinematic capital.

      August 7, 2025, 17:29

      [187]

      Culture and Leisure

      Thanks to its recognizable architecture, rich history, and authentic urban environment, Nizhny Novgorod is increasingly becoming a choice for directors and producers. This city, with its expressive visual atmosphere, is ideal for both historical films and contemporary series. One recent example is the series "Three Sisters" (18+), filmed in Nizhny and presented this year at the "Gorky Fest" (18+). The project continues the tradition of shooting vibrant cinematic projects in the city.

      Modern cinema reimagines the city

      Nizhny Novgorod is appearing more frequently on screens. The central story of the new series "Three Sisters," available on KION from the MTS ecosystem, is about three sisters dreaming of moving to Moscow. However, their life in their hometown proves to be far from the dull stereotype often shown in provincial series. Their mother (played by Larisa Guzeeva) runs a jewelry business here, and she has also brought back a young massage therapist from vacation, played by Pavel Deryavno. All set against the lively and expressive backdrop of Nizhny Novgorod.

      The city has appeared in other notable projects. The comedy "I Am Losing Weight" (18+, 2018) used bright and recognizable urban landscapes, while the series "Nina" (18+, 2022) by Zhora Kryzhovnikov portrayed Nizhny not as gloomy, but as lively and full of character. In the series "F.C. Rodina" (18+), both stadiums and residential neighborhoods were filmed — the creators emphasized the modern urban environment.

      Historical films and Soviet classics

      The city has long been loved by filmmakers. As early as the 1950s, its streets served as a filming location for the drama "Ekaterina Voronina" (6+), starring Lyudmila Khitayeva. Later, films such as "The Light of a Distant Star" (16+), "Not Yet Evening" (12+), "Klim Samgin's Life" (0+), and "The End of Operation 'Resident'" (12+) were shot here. The streets of Gorky (the city’s name in the Soviet era) became an essential element of the plot. What's unique about Nizhny is that many of these locations have been preserved: merchant mansions, industrial buildings, old courtyards, and outskirts are still recognizable on screen.

      In 1994, Nikita Mikhalkov chose Zeleny Gorod (part of Nizhny Novgorod) for filming "Burnt by the Sun" (18+), which received an Oscar and the Grand Prix at Cannes. In "Siberian Circumciser" (1998), scenes were shot on Blagoveshchenskaya Square and near the Danshanskaya Pristup, with the historical architecture conveying the atmosphere of late XIX-century Imperial Russia.

      "Zhmurki," Balabanov, and cinematic tourism

      The cult film by Aleksei Balabanov, "Zhmurki" (18+), was also shot in the Volga capital. Banya on Kovaliha, courtyards, train stations, and typical high-rise buildings became vivid decoration for the crime comedy with absurd humor. Fans still organize unofficial tours of filming locations, where every corner has become part of the history of domestic cinema.

      "Gorky Fest" as the city’s calling card

      Since 2017, the Volga city has hosted one of the largest summer film festivals in the country — "Gorky Fest." It started as a local initiative and has now grown into an international platform gathering filmmakers, actors, and audiences. The festival screens over 140 films, hosts discussions, lectures, and master classes. The city is no longer just a venue but an active participant — many films presented are shot right here.

      A city that remains itself on screen

      Nizhny Novgorod more often plays not just a backdrop, but itself. It is appreciated for its ancient brick facades, Volga embankments, and alleys. Thanks to the attention of directors and the love of viewers, Nizhny is gradually becoming a true film capital of Russia — not by official status, but in essence.

      Earlier, we compiled a top 6 most cinematic locations in Nizhny Novgorod.

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