Colorful orthodox churches or Moscow’s Red Square are iconic landmarks for Russia. But foreign filmmakers know this massive country has far more to shoot in. Film locations in Russia have unique traits and certainly stand out from the crowd. Here are some that have made an appearance in international productions.
Urban Film Locations In Russia
Far east, the city of Vladivostok may sound like an unexpected choice for filmmakers. But this major Pacific port city is full of potential. It overlooks the Golden Horn Bay, close to the borders shared with China and North Korea. Like many other film locations in Russia, it offers that typical Soviet architecture. And the Japanese production Seventh Code (2013) depicts it accurately.
German heritage and medieval-style architecture await in Kaliningrad. Found along the Baltic Coast, this city is right between Poland and Lithuania. The movie Honey Baby (2004) features several iconic spots from here, as the story unfolds.
Russia’s cultural hotspot had to be on this list. Saint Petersburg’s palaces and outstanding churches are more than telegenic. And that explains why they were often chosen for shooting historical films. Plus, numerous screen adaptations of Russian classics have found their match here. Martha Fiennes’ Onegin (1999) gives a few glimpses of this majestic city.
Moscow, a highly cosmopolitan capital, is at the top of film locations in Russia. It boasts scenic backdrops, from the Kremlin, its historic core to the Red Square. Lenin’s Mausoleum or the colorful Saint Basil’s Cathedral are also points of interest. And various productions took advantage of the unique vibes found here. Red Heat (1988) brings to the screen a young Schwarzenegger in a Soviet uniform, near St. Basil. In Cast Away(2000), Tom Hanks’ office is near Red Square. Even the car chase in The Bourne Supremacy (2004), takes place along Moscow’s boulevards.
Shooting Off The Beaten Path In Russia
Urban vibes can be a perfect fit for some video productions. But other film locations in Russia are more suitable for documentaries or blockbusters. Some of the most remote areas of this country can be the ideal backdrop for your next movie. It is all about knowing all your options before you make a choice. Here are some unique, wild spots that have made it on the big screen.
The story of Igor Dyatlov’s expedition is mostly wrapped in mystery. The 2013 horror movie Devil’s Pass (original: The Dyatlov Pass Incident) relies on that. Filming took place in the Khibiny Mountains instead of the Urals. The conditions on the Kola Peninsula were better to accommodate production. The polar town Kirovsk (Murmansk Region) substituted the settlements Ivdel and Vizhay.
How does the oldest freshwater lake in the world sound as a backdrop? Lake Baikal, the deepest lake on Earth, is more than a destination for hikers. In the Forests of Siberia (2016), directed by Safy Nebbou, reveals its scenic potential. A scenery worthy of massive productions, we dare to say.
Lake Baikal deep or mountain high, Russia offers plenty of eye-catching landscapes. Ready to pick one for your next film?