The Russian melodrama "Mountain Sun," created by order of the Russia-1 TV channel, was first presented on the screen in April 2025. The film includes four episodes and has gathered a cast of actors from Russia and nearby countries.
The story revolves around Nina Shishkina, who loves her job in an art gallery, as she is an art critic by training. She is in a relationship with a young man named Seva and is supported at home by her beloved mother, Ekaterina, and grandmother, Elizaveta Sergeevna. However, beneath the surface of her seemingly happy life, Nina faces several challenges: her family's expectations weigh heavily on her, her salary at the gallery is meager, and Seva's future plans are a constant source of stress.
Things take a turn when a Kazakh artist, Alex Bertran, arrives in the city. Nina organizes his exhibition and is shocked to recognize her mother in a portrait painted by Alex. This painting was commissioned by the millionaire Almaz Aliyev, who turns out to be Nina's father. This revelation prompts Nina to embark on a journey to find him.
The film was shot in various locations across Russia and Kazakhstan, including St. Petersburg, Almaty, and the Ile-Alatau National Park, showcasing the stunning natural beauty of the Tien Shan region. The director, Alexander Danilov, believes that the inclusion of Kazakh performers adds an exotic and vibrant touch to the film.
Among the cast, Anna Melnikova takes on the lead role of Nina Shishkina. The young actress has experience working with notable figures such as Elena Tsyplakova and Alena Khmelnitskaya. Melnikova graduated from the Russian State Institute of Performing Arts in 2021 and began her acting career while still in her final year at university, participating in projects like "The Earring of Artemis" and "By the Will of the Heart."
Maria Kulikova plays Ekaterina, Nina's mother. Kulikova expressed her excitement about being part of "Mountain Sun," noting her desire to visit unique places, as this was her first trip to Kazakhstan, where she was captivated by the natural beauty and hospitality of the people.
Valentina Panina portrays Nina's grandmother, Elizaveta Sergeevna. With a long artistic career that began in Omsk, Panina graduated from the Shchepkin Higher Theatre School and has performed in over 100 films, including a leading role in the series "Double Loop."
Artem Krylov plays Seva, Nina's love interest. Krylov trained in St. Petersburg and has gained recognition not only as an actor but also as a news presenter, director, and producer. He has built a diverse career in the film industry.
Erlan Kulmurzin, a rising star in the Kazakh film industry, is also part of the main cast. He started his acting career in 2023, with his first project being the war film "Battle for the Motherland." Kulmurzin encourages young people to pursue their dreams and passions.
Irina Cherichenko, who began her career during the Soviet era, takes on a significant role in the series. Despite facing challenges in the Russian film industry, she has returned to her acting roots and has played leading roles in various projects.
Asel Sagatova has been acting since 2004 and has worked as a model, graduating with a degree in international relations. She primarily appears in national films, including the lyrical melodrama "The Irony of Love" alongside Alexey Chadov.
Murat Amiraev is another notable actor in the series, building his career in Kyrgyzstan. He has performed in the Russian Drama Theater named after Chinghiz Aitmatov and was featured in the series "Ivan the Terrible" in 2009.
Dzhavahir Zakirov, a talented Uzbek actor from a creative dynasty, plays Almaz Aliyev. Zakirov has been acting since the 1980s and has participated in many historical projects, including "Great Amir Timur" and "Golden Horde."
In addition to "Mountain Sun," other notable series include "Love of the Soviet Union," which airs on the First Channel, and features a compelling story about a generation striving for love and greatness amidst historical turmoil. The series, starring Angelina Strechina, will showcase its first four episodes this week, with the remaining episodes set to air next week.
As viewers tune in to these new series, the blend of talent and storytelling promises to captivate audiences, offering a glimpse into the lives and struggles of its characters against the backdrop of rich cultural landscapes.
