Soviet adventure film “Sannikov’s Land”** (1973), based on the novel by Vladimir Obruchev, has become a real legend of Russian cinema. The film, which tells about the search for a mythical Arctic land, captivated viewers not only with its exciting plot, but also with its stunning landscapes. Many people still wonder: where were these epic scenes with glaciers, volcanoes and dinosaurs filmed?

Unlike modern films, where most scenes are created using computer graphics, “Sannikov Land”** was filmed in real, often extreme conditions. Film group under the direction of the director Albert Mkrtchyan and operator Felix Gilevich traveled thousands of kilometers - from the Crimean steppes to the high mountain plateaus of the Pamirs. In this article we will look at all key filming locations, including those that were never mentioned in official sources, and also reveal the technical secrets that made it possible to create the illusion of a prehistoric world.

1. Crimea: where the initial scenes of the expedition were filmed

The first shots of the film, where the heroes assemble an expedition and set off, were filmed in Crimea. Specifically - in the surrounding area Simferopol and on Southern coast of Crimea. Filmed here:

  • 🏡 Professor Ilyin's house (in the film) - this is actually a mansion in Alupka, next to the Vorontsov Palace. The building still stands, but has changed a lot after reconstruction.
  • 🚂 Railway station, where the expedition is leaving from is old Simferopol station (does not exist now, was demolished in the 1990s).
  • 🌿 Scenes in a botanical garden filmed in Nikitsky Botanical Garden (Yalta), where the same palm trees and magnolias still grow.

Interestingly, to create an atmosphere late 19th century The film crew used antique objects and props from Simferopol museums. For example, clock on the wall in Ilyin's house were taken from the collection of the Crimean Ethnographic Museum.

⚠️ Attention: If you decide to visit these places today, keep in mind that many of the historical buildings in Crimea have been rebuilt or are privately owned. For example, a mansion in Alupka is now used as a hotel, and you can view it from the inside only by prior arrangement.

For filming sea scenes (departure of the expedition) used Sevastopol Bay. The ship on which the heroes sail is sailing ship "Comrade", specially rented for the film. By the way, this ship later appeared in other Soviet films, for example, in "Pirates of the 20th Century"** (1979).

2. Caucasus: mountain filming and “entrance to the cave”

One of the most memorable locations in the film was a cave leading to Sannikov Land. These scenes were filmed in Kabardino-Balkaria, or more precisely - in Baksan Gorge, not far from the city Tyrnyauz.

The specific place is Prohodnaya Cave (that’s what the locals called it), which is at the height 2,300 meters above sea level. The film crew had to walk for several hours to get there, carrying heavy equipment. According to the operator Felix Gilevich, some scenes inside the cave were filmed at temperatures +5°C, and the actors had to act in coats despite the summer heat outside.

  • ⛰️ External views of the gorge - this is Baksan river valley, where scenes of the expedition’s approach to the cave were filmed.
  • 🔦 Interior filming were carried out in several caves, but the main one was "Checkpoint" — its vaults were so high that lighting equipment was placed there.
  • 🐦 Bird scenes (for example, when the characters see strange birds) were filmed in Teberda Nature Reserve, where trained eagles were brought.

To create an effect "ancient world"** inside the cave, decorative artists used foam and papier-mâché, imitating stalagmites and fossils. Some of these decorations survived and were later moved to the pavilions Film Studio named after M. Gorky for filming studio scenes.

📊 Which location from the film do you remember most?
  • Crimean landscapes
  • Mountain caves of the Caucasus
  • Glaciers of the Pamirs
  • Volcanoes of Kamchatka
  • Other

3. Pamir: glaciers and “valley of dinosaurs”

The most epic landscapes of the film - glaciers and snowy peaks — were filmed on Pamir, in Tajik SSR (now Tajikistan). Main locations:

  • ❄️ Fedchenko Glacier — scenes of the expedition crossing the ice fields were filmed here. This is one of the largest glaciers in the world (length 77 km), and the film crew had to work in extreme conditions.
  • 🏔️ Lenin Peak (now Ibn Sina Peak) - its peak is visible in the frame when the heroes rise to the plateau. Peak height - 7,134 m, but the filming was carried out at an altitude of about 4,000 m.
  • 🌋 "Valley of the Dinosaurs"** - this is actually Zorkul plateau, where using models and dummies prehistoric landscapes were recreated.

For filming in the Pamirs, a special high mountain expedition, which included not only filmmakers, but also climbers, doctors and even military personnel. According to the actor Oleg Dahl (performer) Evgraf Savelyev), at altitude 3,500+ meters many group members had to use oxygen cylinderssince it began altitude sickness.

Location Altitude Temperature during filming Features
Fedchenko Glacier 3,500–5,000 m from -10°C to -25°C Filming took place in July, but due to the altitude it was cold
Zorkul Plateau 4 100 m from -5°C to +10°C “Warm” scenes with vegetation were filmed here
Ak-Baital pass 4,655 m to -30°C Used for filming transitions between locations

One of the most difficult episodes - fight with a dinosaur — filmed on the Zorkul plateau. For this purpose it was created full-size model of a Tyrannosaurus rex (length 12 meters), which was controlled by a system of cables and winches. I wonder what dinosaur head was made from rubber and foam, and her movements provided 5 operators, hidden behind the scenery.

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If you are planning to visit the Pamirs, please note that some areas currently require special permission to travel (GBAO permit). It can be arranged in Dushanbe or through tour operators.

4. Kamchatka: volcanoes and “Tierra del Fuego”

The final scenes of the film, where the heroes find themselves on Sannikov Land with active volcanoes, filmed on Kamchatka. This was one of the most dangerous parts of filming, as the group worked in close proximity to active volcanoes.

Main locations:

  • 🌋 Volcano Avachinsky — scenes of the eruption and “rivers of fire” were filmed here. Filming was carried out at a distance 5–7 km from the crater, but even at such a distance the air temperature rose to +50°C.
  • 🏝️ Valley of Geysers - a unique place where steam springs and boiling lakes were filmed. Unfortunately, after 2007 landslide the valley has changed a lot.
  • 🌊 Pacific coast — the final shots of the ship sailing away from Sannikov Land were filmed here.

To create an effect volcanic eruption pyrotechnics used special charges with red phosphorus, which were set on fire remotely. However, in some scenes it is shown real volcano - for example, when the heroes see a column of ash, it Avacha volcano eruption, which was captured during filming.

⚠️ Attention: Today Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka is accessible only by helicopter or as part of an organized expedition. An independent trip there is extremely dangerous due to high volcanic activity and unpredictable geysers.

Interesting fact: for filming lava scenes used molten sulfur, which was tinted red. It was cheaper and safer than working with real lava, whose temperature exceeds 1 000°C.

5. Studio filming: how the prehistoric world was created

Despite the abundance of location shooting, many scenes of the film were shot in pavilions of the M. Gorky Film Studio (Moscow). Recreated here:

  • 🦖 Dinosaurs and prehistoric animals - used for this puppets, dummies and combined filming.
  • 🌴 Rainforests — the decorations were made from artificial plants brought from Botanical Garden of Moscow State University.
  • 🏠 Ship and cave interiors — some scenes inside the cave were filmed on a pavilion, since the natural lighting in the real cave was insufficient.

For scenes with dinosaurs technique used “traumatization”** (combined filming), when the actors were filmed against the backdrop of a rear projection with painted landscapes. For example, in the episode with pterodactyl used puppet on wires, which was then superimposed on a background with the sky.

One of the most difficult tricks is fight with a lizard in a cave — filmed in a pavilion using hydraulic platform, which simulated an earthquake. The actors had to hold on tightly to the set to avoid falling during filming.

Look at the shadows - in the studio they are often unnaturally sharp | Pay attention to the plants - artificial leaves usually have a shine | Listen to the sound - in the studio the echo is different from the natural one | Look at the sky - the rear projection often has blurry edges-->

6. Technical secrets of filming: how the audience was deceived

Film "Sannikov's Land"** became a real breakthrough in Soviet cinema thanks to the use innovative technologies for that time. Here are some of them:

  • 🎥 Combined shooting - a combination of live actors with hand-drawn backgrounds and layouts. For example, volcanoes on Sannikov Land were drawn by the artist Igor Bakhmetev on glass.
  • 🔥 Pyrotechnics - used to simulate eruptions gasoline, kerosene and magnesium powder. One of the explosions was so strong that it damaged the camera.
  • 🦕 Animatronics - used for dinosaurs mechanical dolls, which were controlled by a system of cables. For example, Triceratops in the film he could move his head and tail.
  • 🎨 Makeup — the actors were inflicted special makeupto make them look exhausted after a long journey. For this we used latex and tetracycline ointment (it gave the skin a grayish tint).

One of the most impressive tricks - cave collapse scene. It was built for her decoration made of plaster and foam plastic, which fell on the actors at the right moment. To ensure that no one was hurt, they were under the “collapse” pillows and mats, and the actors were insured by stuntmen.

For filming underwater scenes (for example, when the heroes dive in a lake) used swimming pool at the Gorky Film Studio. The water was tinted green paint, and the "algae" were made from rubber bands.

How was the scene with the pterodactyl filmed?

In the film, the pterodactyl appears in several episodes. To create it we used a puppet with a wingspan of 3 meters, which was suspended on cables. Wing movements were provided 4 operators, and the sound (a high-pitched scream) was recorded using slow-motion replay of seagull calls.

7. Little-known facts about filming

There are many hidden behind the scenes of the film. interesting and sometimes funny stories:

  • ❄️ Snow storms in the Pamirs The filming was almost disrupted. One day the group stood in tents 3 days, waiting for the weather to improve. During this time they ran out of food and had to eat canned stew, which was brought by helicopter.
  • 🐻 Meeting with a bear — during filming in Kamchatka, the film crew was almost attacked brown bear. They managed to scare him off only by shooting into the air.
  • 🎬 Lost footage — some of the footage was damaged due to problems with the film. For example, the scene with mammoth tusk, found by the heroes, had to be re-shot in the pavilion.
  • 💰 Film budget made up 1.8 million Soviet rubles (a huge amount at that time). For comparison, the average Soviet film cost 500–700 thousand rubles.

Another interesting fact: the role of Professor Ilyin was originally supposed to play Innokenty Smoktunovsky, but he refused due to his commitment to the theater. As a result, the role went to Vladimir Druzhnikov, which did so well that many viewers still associate it with this image.

Actor Oleg Dal, who played Evgraf Savelyev, later admitted that filming in the Pamirs became a real test for him. Because of mountain sickness he lost 7 kg weight, and his voice became hoarse that he even had to duplicate some of his lines in the studio.

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The film “Sannikov’s Land” became the first Soviet project to use so widely combined shooting with layouts and rear projection. Many of the techniques tested here were later used in the films “Pirates of the 20th Century” and “Stalker”.

8. How to get to the filming locations today

If you want to repeat the journey of the expedition from the film, here practical advice for visiting key locations:

  • 🚗 Crimea: Simferopol and Alupka can be reached by plane (Simferopol airport) or train. It is better to explore the filming locations in a rented car.
  • ✈️ Kabardino-Balkaria: Nearest airport — Nalchik. Drive to the Baksan Gorge 2–3 hours by car. To visit the caves you need a local guide.
  • 🏔️ Pamir: Fly to Dushanbe, then on a domestic flight to Khorog. From there by jeep to Murgaba (5–6 hours off-road). Resolution (GBAO permit) is issued in advance.
  • 🌋 Kamchatka: Fly to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, then by helicopter to Valleys of Geysers (cost ~50 000 ₽ per person).

  • 👟 Mountain equipment (even in summer there can be snow in the Pamirs).
  • 🚁 Local guide (without him you simply will not be allowed into some areas).

    • If you are planning a trip, it is best to contact tour operators, specializing in extreme routes. For example, in the Pamirs you can book a tour from the company «Pamir Travel», and in Kamchatka - at «Kamchatka Discovery».

    ⚠️ Attention: In Kamchatka and Pamir no mobile connection in most places. Take it with you satellite phone or walkie-talkie, and also first aid kit (the nearest hospital may be hundreds of kilometers away).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about filming the film

    🔍 Where exactly in Crimea were they filming Professor Ilyin’s house?

    Professor Ilyin's house was filmed in Alupka, in a mansion on Lenin Street, 14 (next to the Vorontsov Palace). The building still stands, but is now private property and can only be viewed inside with the permission of the owners. Externally, the house has changed a lot: it is now painted in a light color, and the balcony from which the hero waves his hand has been reconstructed.

    🦖 How were the dinosaurs filmed in the film? Were real animals used?

    All the dinosaurs in the film are models, puppets and animatronics. No real animals were used, but for some scenes they were used:

    • Lizards and turtles (they were made up to look like prehistoric lizards).
    • Chicken bones - to simulate dinosaur skeletons in a cave.
    • Trained eagles — they were filmed in a scene with “prehistoric birds.”

    The largest layout - tyrannosaurus - was tall 4 meters and was controlled by a cable system. For filming, it was dismantled into parts and transported on trucks.

    ❄️ How dangerous was it to film on the Fedchenko glacier?

    Filming on the Fedchenko glacier took place extremely risky. The film crew worked at their best 3,500–5,000 meters, where:

    • The temperature dropped to -25°C even in summer.
    • The air was so thin that the actors had to use oxygen cylinders.
    • The glacier was constantly moving (at a speed ~30 cm per day), because of which the scenery had to be rearranged.

    According to the operator Felix Gilevich, one day during filming it started avalanche, and the group barely managed to escape from the dangerous area. Several people also received frostbite due to the fact that they were filming without gloves (so that the actors’ hands were visible in the frame).

    🎥 Why are there so few special effects in the film compared to modern films?

    The film was shot in 1973, when computer graphics did not yet exist. All effects were created manually:

    • Layouts - dinosaurs and volcanoes were made from foam, rubber and plaster.
    • Rear projection — background landscapes were painted on glass and projected behind the actors.
    • Pyrotechnics - used for eruptions gasoline, magnesium and smoke bombs.
    • Dolls on wires - for example, pterodactyl controlled by operators using winches.

    Despite being primitive by modern standards, these techniques looked convincing because the filming was carried out in real locations, not in the studio.

    📜 Does Sannikov Land really exist?

    Sannikov Land - this is mythical island, the existence of which was suggested by some researchers in the 19th century (including Yakov Sannikov, after whom it is named). According to legend, the island was located north of New Siberian Islands and was inhabited by prehistoric animals.

    However, all the expeditions sent to search for him (including the expedition Eduard Toll in 1900–1902), no traces of earth were found. Today scientists believe that Sannikov Land is either an optical illusion (mirage) or a temporary accumulation of ice, which was mistaken for land.

    In the film, Sannikov Land is shown as real place, hidden from the world by glaciers and volcanoes. This idea was borrowed from the writer Vladimir Obruchev, who in his novel "Sannikov Land"** (1926) described the island as the last refuge of prehistoric fauna.