The first ever feature film shot in space is now playing in cinemas across Russia. The Russian made movie, symbolically dubbed The Challenge or Doctor’s House Call, is a collaboration between Russian Space Corporation (Roscosmos) and public broadcaster Channel One, with an approximate budget of RUB 1.155 billion.
The movie tells the story of a young surgeon portrayed by, Yulia Peresild, who has to undertake an impossible mission of operating on an injured cosmonaut who is played by real life cosmonaut, Oleg Novitsky.
The title of the movie could reflect the challenges of space travel, operating without proper equipment or a trained medical team let alone in a weightless zone, but could also but could also be a reflection of the parallel storyline.
The young surgeon’s life is not without its complications as she has to grabble with difficulties of managing a mother suffering from a heart condition, and a husband who passed away leaving her to raise a troubled teenage daughter on her own.
The cast and crew of the movie underwent extensive training and examination to ensure suitability for stave travel. October 2021, marked the first time in cinematic history where a film crew took off to outer space.
Reception of the movie differed vastly, as some critics saw it as a pivotal point in Russian cinematic history saying it speaks volumes to Russian national ambitions and President Vladimir Putin called it a “scientific and educational project,” Other critics, less enthused by the notion of shooting in space, criticized the costliness of the endeavor deeming it unnecessary as modern technology has the capabilities of replicating the scenes.
Movie director, Klim Shipenko, defended his choice saying that despite current studio advancements an authentic experience calls for shooting on board the International Space Station itself.
Approximately 35 minutes of the final running time will consist of the footage filmed in space.
Russian Minister of Culture, Olga Lyubimova, in statements relayed by TASS news agency, the movie will be playing in 20 countries, adding that on the 27th of this month, the movie will be playing in a number of Arab countries including Kuwait.
On the movie itself, she commented that it was a challenge in real life too, as the cast and crew spent more than three months in training and up to 12 days onboard the ISS.
Speaking on the severity of the experience, actress Yulia Peresild told the press that she wrote a will to her children and parents before commencing her journey, saying that this was an unparalleled fearsome experience.
Despite varying critical response, around 88 percent of viewers who participated in a referendum expressed their admiration of the movie saying it is well worth the risk and expenses
Source: Kuwait News Agency