Mariya Smirnova

Under the Same Roof

Mari has successfully led a collective farm in 1950s and fulfilled all tasks given from the authorities. Nonetheless, things in the collective farm become progressively worse. The Committee of the Communist Party sends its representative Peeter who learns that Mari acts as a tyrant for the local people. She has to resign during the elections of the new manager. Being without authority has a damaging effect on her so she starts to regain her position with the help of her old stalinist tricks.

Journey Beyond Three Seas

This first co-production of the Soviet and Indian cinematographers is dedicated to the Tver merchant Afanasy Nikitin who in 1466-1472 blazed the trade way from Europe to India. The film is based on Nikitin’s travel notes. Starring in the film are popular Russian actor Oleg Strizhenov and India’s 1950s movie star Nargis.

A Tale of First Love

Southern seaside town. High school students Olya and Mitya met at sports classes, made friends. Suddenly the girl's mother dies and Olga, left in the care of a semi-literate aunt, decides to leave school and go to work. Mitya's family, and first of all, of course, he himself, already in love with Olya, convinces her to move to live in their house. Participation and caring attention literally returns the girl's interest in life and further studies. However, rumors spread around the school about the cohabitation of two students, and hints were made about the intimacy of their relationship. As a result, young people quarrel. But real friends and family of Mitya are trying to help the lovers sort out their feelings.

The Country Doctor

A young woman is going to the village to start working as doctor.

Story of a Real Man

Alexey Meresyev was a fighter pilot during the war. One day he was shot down by Nazis, and because of his wounds both of his legs had to be cut off up to his knees. Because of his spirit and courage, Alexey was able to overcome his disability. He learned not only to walk on his artificial limps, but even dance and fly the plane again. Based on a real-life story.

The Village Teacher

A life-long story of a romantic school teacher who left imperial St. Petersburg for teaching country children. Driven by noble intentions to enlighten people and examples by 1880s revolutionary "People's Will" member teachers, a young woman spent her life in a village and evidenced the changes a Russian village has undergone from pre-revolutionary tsarist times to late 1940s.

Peasant woman

Collective farmers of the Volga region decide to create the first female fishing team. Her hardworking and neat Varvara Kladova, a quiet and gentle woman suffering from adultery with Stepan's husband, becomes her head. Having overcome the first difficulties, women are ahead of the brigade of men. And this makes Stepan look at his wife with different eyes.

Her Way

When Praskovya’s new husband attempts to hurt her on their wedding night, she fights back, and when he’s called away to fight in World War I not long after, she tends to their farm on her own, determined to make the best of a bad situation.