Lord of the Wind

Lord of the Wind (Повелитель ветра) is a 2023 Russian biographical adventure film directed by Igor Voloshin, dedicated to the famous Russian traveler Fyodor Konyukhov’s round-the-world flight in a hot air balloon in 2016, the film stars Fyodor Bondarchuk and Anna Mikhalkova.

This film was theatrically released on October 5, 2023.

Plot
The movie centers around the extraordinary life of Fyodor Konyukhov, a renowned Russian explorer and record-breaker, whose unwavering passion for adventure propels him to embark on a perilous expedition: soaring through the vast expanse of the sky in a magnificent hot air balloon.

With a track record of 25 world records and over fifty expeditions to treacherous locations around the world, specifically circling the globe five times and crossing the Atlantic 17 times, Fyodor Konyukhov is embarks on a new journey in 11 days. His goal is to circumnavigate the planet in a hot air balloon, a feat that he takes great pride in. A dedicated team is diligently preparing for the flight, although they acknowledge the unpredictable challenges and hazards that Konyukhov may encounter in the vast sky.

Amidst the flight, the balloon transporting Konyukhov finds itself in the midst of a hurricane. Despite the immense challenges, the brave explorer remains steadfast, refusing to succumb to fear or panic. He valiantly pushes forward, determined to fulfill his mission and return safely to the eagerly awaiting arms of those who have been anxiously monitoring his journey.

Cast

 * Fyodor Bondarchuk as Fyodor Konyukhov
 * Anna Mikhalkova as Irina Konyukhova
 * Yevgeny Tkachuk as Oskar Konyukhov
 * Andrey Burkovsky as Sergey Rakitin
 * Daniil Vorobyov as Nikita Golubev
 * Dmitry Kalikhov as Kolya Konyukhov, a boy
 * Anna Godo as Anna Konyukhova
 * Edward Opp as Don Cameron
 * Ruslan Bankovsky as a news anchor

Production
The production of the film was carried out by such film companies as Art Pictures Studio, Vodorod Film Company, and Central Partnership Productions, with the support of the TV channels Russia 1, STS and the Cinema Fund.

Some episodes were filmed in the Republic of Dagestan, there are locations whose landscape is reminiscent of the area from where Konyukhov’s round-the-world trip started in 2016.