The film tells the story of Kasym Zharmenov, a Kazakh who was a hero in the defense of the Brest Fortress. On June 22, 1941, he, along with other defenders, entered battle, was captured, and endured the horrific conditions of Nazi concentration camps. Later, he managed to escape and joined the partisan movement in Czechoslovakia, where he remained until May 1945. Upon returning home to Shymkent, he became a teacher.
Alexey Nikulin spoke about his acquaintance with Denis Zharmenov, a well-known coach from Kazakhstan. "In 2024, he shared his family's story, learning that his grandfather was Kasym Zharmenov, the defender of the Brest Fortress. Denis and his son Timur had never been to Brest, and I suggested they go on an expedition to understand their history and make a documentary film," he added.
The main characters of the film are Kasym's grandson, Denis Zharmenov, and his great-grandson, Timur, who decided to visit the battle sites in the year of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory to gain a deeper understanding of their ancestor's history.
Evgeny Primakov, head of Rossotrudnichestvo, opened the screening, noting: "The film is truly impressive! From the very beginning, it was exciting to observe the creation process. I am sure that viewers in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus will find this film touching and significant for historical memory."
The Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Russia, Dauren Abaev, emphasized that documentary films about the Great Patriotic War play an important role in preserving historical memory. "They help to better understand the events on the front and in the rear, reveal the courage of soldiers, and restore historical truth," he added.
Abaev also noted Kazakhstan's significant contribution to the Great Victory: more than 1.3 million people went to the front, which is one-fifth of the republic's population. More than 100,000 warriors were awarded, and over 500 of them received the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
The film was organized with the support of the film company "Skyfest," Rossotrudnichestvo, and the Museum of Victory, as well as with the assistance of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives and the Russian Geographical Society.
Before the premiere at the Museum of Victory, a memorial ceremony was held for Soviet soldiers from Kazakhstan who died in the Great Patriotic War and were discovered by search teams from Russia this year in the Pskov region.
Source: pobedarf.ru
