The production of Tina Barkalaya's new family drama, Gems, has reached an exciting phase as the team begins shooting in India. Having completed filming in Moscow and Khanty-Mansiysk, the crew is now capturing the vibrant Indian landscapes, which play a significant role in the film's narrative.

The star-studded cast includes Svetlana Khodchenkova, Evgeny Tsyganov, Sergey Gilev, Irina Pegova, Era Ziganshina, and Daria Poluneeva, among others. The film's general producer, Ekaterina Filippova, known for her work on Hoffman’s Fairy Tales, Nina, and The Man Who Surprised Everyone, is spearheading the project.

Synopsis

The film tells the poignant story of Roman Mukhin, a steel company employee from Moscow whose career ambitions lead him to adopt a child from a Khanty-Mansiysk orphanage, sponsored by his company. Roman’s wife, Elena, agrees to the adoption, hoping that it might mend their strained marriage. The couple already has a son, Oleg, but chooses 11-year-old Martha Chemesova, an aloof and independent girl, to join their family.

Martha hesitates to leave her hometown, as her grandmother, Stalina Grigoryevna, is her sole remaining family member. Understanding her limitations, Stalina convinces Martha to move to Moscow with the Mukhins. Initially, the adoption seems like a fresh start for everyone. However, conflicts soon arise between Martha and Oleg, exacerbating the tension in the Mukhin household.

In a bid to bond as a family, they embark on a trip to India, fulfilling Martha’s dream of visiting the vibrant country. Yet, despite the exotic journey, Martha struggles to feel accepted. Tensions boil over when she is wrongfully accused of stealing Elena’s pearl earrings, a theft later revealed to be Oleg's doing. Disillusioned, Martha decides to return to the orphanage, but this time, it’s on her own terms.

Upcoming Media Event

On Monday, December 9, at 12:00 PM, media professionals will have the chance to interview producer Ekaterina Filippova and director Tina Barkalaya. The event promises insights into the creative process behind Gems, the challenges of shooting in diverse locations, and the film’s exploration of family dynamics and belonging.

The Indian leg of the shoot is set to add rich visual layers to this deeply emotional story, amplifying its universal themes of love, conflict, and identity.