The film "Воздух" (Air), directed by Alexey German Jr., achieved significant recognition at the Golden Eagle Awards, receiving the prestigious title of Best Film. The ceremony took place at the iconic Mosfilm studio's first pavilion on January 31, 2025, where the film stood out among other notable contenders.
Other films vying for top honors included "Сто лет тому вперед" (A Hundred Years Ahead) by Alexander Andryushchenko, "Любовь Советского Союза" (Love of the Soviet Union) by Nikita Vysotsky, Ilya Lebedev, and Dmitry Iosifov, "Вечная зима" (Eternal Winter) by Nikolai Larionov, and "Смотри на меня!" (Look at Me!) by Vladimir Grammatikov. On this notable night, it's clear the film industry took great pride not only in their creative capabilities but also in the stories they chose to tell.
The film tells the gripping story of female pilots during the Great Patriotic War, showcasing their courage and resolve as they navigated the harsh realities of warfare. Following the story of newly arrived pilots who must learn to carry out their air missions under dire circumstances, the film's approach starkly contrasts with typical war movies, which often lean heavily on computer-generated imagery and eye-catching special effects.
German Jr. shared his insights with the publication Snob, explaining the film's realistic approach. "For the pilot, flying is not entertainment. He either dies or doesn't," he said. This emphasis on authenticity formed the backbone of the film, which was produced with minimal reliance on visual gimmicks. Indeed, German Jr. expressed his desire to shift away from the common conception of aerial combat as mere spectacle, instead rooting the film's depiction of flying pilots' experiences firmly within the framework of survival.
"Воздух" was notable for more than just its central accolade; it took home additional awards for best visual effects, attributed to the collaborative efforts of Studio XOVP and Alambik. The film also garnered recognition for its cinematic composition with best editing awarded to Darya Obukhova, Mukharam Kabulova, Vladimir Moss, and Semyon Gritsai, as well as best sound design for Nikita Gankin's impressive work. Critically, the performances were recognized, with Elena Lyadova receiving the award for Best Supporting Actress and Sergey Bezrukov taking home honors for Best Actor.
It's worth noting the film was produced by the renowned Lenfilm studio, alongside the team at Metrafilms and the First Channel, with support from the Ministry of Culture and the Committee for Culture of St. Petersburg. This collaboration reflects the significant investment of both time and resources aimed at bringing this powerful narrative to life.
The film premiered online on April 1, 2024, hitting theaters shortly before on January 18, 2024, allowing audiences both nationwide and beyond to experience its raw portrayal of life during wartime.
With the awards it collected and the stories told, "Воздух" has firmly established its position within the dynamic Russian film industry. The success of the film, marked by both artistic and technical achievements, signifies not only the dedication of its creators but also the growing importance of representing underrepresented perspectives, particularly those relating to women’s roles during the war.
Overall, the Golden Eagle Awards this year underscored the value of storytelling within cinema, marking it as particularly relevant for cultural remembrance and recognition, making it possible for powerful narratives like "Воздух" to reach wider audiences. The film serves as both inspiration and reminder of the humanity entwined with the struggles of war, pushing creatives to realize the impact of their craft as they bring these important stories to light.