Filming of a video about Transbaikalia for the 2026 Eastern Economic Forum has been completed.

More than 50 people, including professionals from Chita, Moscow, and Irkutsk, participated in the production.

The film tells the story of a man's journey through Transbaikalia through the ages—from the pioneering Cossacks to modern-day Chita. The video was created in the format of a film trailer: it grabs the viewer's attention and makes them want to experience the region for themselves, notes director Mikhail Topolev.

Historical scenes featuring the Cossacks were specially recreated for the filming, and the atmosphere of a ball was reconstructed at the Butinsky Palace in Nerchinsk.

The video's plot unfolds against the backdrop of iconic natural locations in Transbaikalia: the Alkhanai National Park, the Chara Sands, the Sukhotino Ethno-Archeopark, and the picturesque banks of the Nikishikha River.

Furthermore, filming took place at the Nikitin House, the Shumovsky Palace in Chita, and the Assumption Church in the village of Kalinino. The crowd scenes were performed by members of the Dance Academy group and the Nerchane folk male choir.

The creators of the presentation film are not revealing all the plot details and ideas, inviting viewers to experience the story for themselves. One of the central themes of the mini-film will be the combination of the power of the elements and the energy of people—the main force of Transbaikalia.

The leading role was played by Grigory Baev, an actor from Moscow:

"For me, Transbaikalia is undoubtedly beautiful and vast, but above all, people—kind, responsive, and knowledgeable about the history of their region. My character goes through quite a difficult journey, and this is not about a specific person, but about the spirit of the people of Transbaikalia. As I say in the video, it is strength, courage, and love."
For Mikhail Topolev, the work became not only a professional project but also an opportunity to share his native region through his personal perspective:

"As a director and a resident of Transbaikalia, my main goal is to show my native region as I see and know it. This film is a declaration of love for my small homeland. It's important for me to explore this very feeling, which is born from the synergy of a love for nature, the region's iconic sites, and the region's rich history."

The video will premiere at the 2026 Eastern Economic Forum. Viewers will see Transbaikalia through its history, natural resources, industrial projects, and, most importantly, the people who shape its character and energy.

Photo: Alena Vasilyeva

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