Published on: 2026-10-18
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Father’s Day is a wonderful occasion to say warm words to those who support us, guide us, protect us, give love, and are simply always there. Gorky Film Studio, subordinate to the capital Department of Culture, prepared a special program in the “Gorky Hall”: on October 18, guests will be treated to film screenings, lectures, and meetings dedicated to the eternal theme of fathers and children. To get in the right mood, we tell about three vivid films in which directors show the dialogue between generations in different ways.
“Children of Don Quixote” (1966): Fatherhood as a daily feat
Evgeny Karelov’s film “Children of Don Quixote” is the story of a man for whom being a father means choosing responsibility and kindness every day. The main character, maternity ward head Pyotr Bondarenko (Anatoly Papanov), raises three very different sons, each of whom is a whole universe with their own dreams, mistakes, and search for a path. The father does not lecture or impose authority; he directs, supports, and shows that true strength lies in the ability to listen and forgive. The character of Pyotr Bondarenko is a composite portrait of a caring, compassionate parent who does not expect gratitude but simply does what he believes is right.
“Children of Don Quixote” contains many sincere, almost everyday moments that come together into parental wisdom. The film’s title refers to the literary figure Don Quixote — a man who remains true to his ideals. Similarly, Anatoly Papanov’s character does not try to appear perfect, but it is precisely in his humanity — towards his loved ones, colleagues, and patients — that the main example for his sons lies.
To better understand his character, Anatoly Papanov came to the maternity hospital daily for a month and a half. He observed the staff at work and learned from the experience of an elderly doctor who had helped bring thousands of babies into the world. By the end of filming, the actor had become so immersed in the role that the staff took him for a real doctor.
The audience warmly received the film: more than 20 million people watched it in the year of its release. The movie demonstrated that true fatherly love is not loud words but daily actions and the willingness to accept every child as your own.
The film can be watched in 10 cinemas of the “Moskino” network. Entrance is free, by pre-registration.
“Fathers and Grandfathers” (1982): the right to a new chapter
Yuri Yegorov’s lyrical tragicomedy “Fathers and Grandfathers” subtly and humorously shows how difficult it is for three generations of the Lukov family to live under one roof. Its head, Alexei Pavlovich (Anatoly Papanov), strives to prove that life only begins after retirement. His decision to marry becomes a shock for his relatives and a reason for viewers to reflect on how often we assign our loved ones roles that do not suit them.
The film contains many lively, recognizable situations — from family disputes to attempts to understand each other even through differing viewpoints. At the same time, the picture lightly and ironically shows that respect for elders is not silent obedience, but a readiness to see them as living people with their own desires.
When casting actors, the director paid special attention to the physical resemblance of the performers. Anatoly Papanov was approved immediately, the grandson Lesha was also found quickly — the role went to the young Alexey Yasulovich. But the son took a long time to cast: the director compared photos of candidates until he settled on Valentin Smirnitsky. For the main female role, the director saw only Galina Polskikh, although at first the actress refused, considering the housewife image boring, but she was persuaded.
The premiere of the film took place on September 21, 1982, and in the first year, 22.1 million viewers saw the movie. Unfortunately, “Fathers and Grandfathers” became Yuri Yegorov’s last work: the director passed away in February of the same year.
“Our Fragile Happiness” (2026): a documentary chronicle of family ties
Natalia Anisimova’s documentary film “Our Fragile Happiness” is based on Maria Ageeva’s photo project and tells the story of families where several generations live side by side. For over 10 years, the photographer captured people who survived the war and the siege of Leningrad, as well as their great-grandchildren. These shots became the foundation for a profound, emotional portrayal of memory. The film does not aim for spectacular dramas. Its strength lies in how the older generation carefully passes on their experience, and the younger learn to listen.
Each story in the feed is a small tale about how love and care become the connecting link between eras. The film received the audience award in the “Soul of Russia” category at the International Documentary Film Festival “Unknown Russia” — it speaks about the most important things. The film shows how children and grandchildren learn to see their grandmothers as people with amazing destinies, whose stories they want to preserve and pass on.
Father’s Day in the Gorky Hall cinema: we talk about important matters and support the elders
On October 18, a packed program dedicated to fatherhood, continuity, and support for the older generation will take place in the “Gorky Hall”. Guest reception will begin at 11:00 in the foyer.
At 11:40, there will be a lecture “Caring for the Older Generation: Care, Communication, and a Comfortable Environment.” Immediately after, at 12:40, guests can watch the film “Fathers and Grandfathers.” At 14:30, the program continues with a lecture “Listening and Hearing: Psychological Support for Elderly Fathers.” This is a conversation with practical elements about age-related changes, loneliness, and how children can help their parents not feel unnecessary. The closing event will be a screening of the documentary “Our Fragile Happiness” at 15:00.
Admission is free, by pre-registration.
Gorky Film Studio is one of the largest in Russia and the oldest film studio in Moscow. More than a thousand films have been produced here, including “Seventeen Moments of Spring,” “Officers,” “Morozko,” “…And the Dawns Here Are Quiet,” “Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka,” “Guest from the Future,” “Moscow — Cassiopeia,” “Carnival,” “You Wouldn’t Even Dream…,” “Pirates of the 20th Century,” “Three Plus Two,” and many others. The studio is part of a large Moscow film cluster and is reviving its own film production. The production center releases feature and documentary films, popular science series, and serials for youth and family audiences.
The film studio comprises two studio-production sites with all the necessary infrastructure for filming: the historic one on Sergei Eisenstein Street and a new complex on Valdayskiy Passage. Based on them operate shooting pavilions, control rooms, screening halls, a costume and props complex, and the multifunctional cinema hall “Gorky Hall.” For aspiring filmmakers, a youth creative space “Gorky Film Campus” has been created, and tours are held for everyone interested in the world of cinema. The film studio also hosts festivals, exhibitions, and professional events for filmmakers.
The Moscow film cluster is an infrastructure, services, and amenities for filmmakers, developed by Government of Moscow as part of the “Moscow — City of Cinema” project. Its structure includes the “Moskino” film park, Gorky Film Studio, “Moskino” film factory, the “Moskino” cinema network, the film commission, and the “Moskino” film platform.
Moscow poster, cultural events, and other leisure options — in the “Mosbilet” channels on “Max” and “Telegram”.
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