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Battle For Sevastopol movie set for major release in Russia and Ukraine — culture minister

The movie is notable as the latest Russian-Ukrainian co-production, the shooting was launched on the Crimean peninsula in autumn 2013, before anti-government protests in Kiev began

BUDAPEST, February 17. /TASS/. World War Two historical drama Battle For Sevastopol, notable as the latest Russian-Ukrainian co-production, is set to be released in Russia on April 2.

The film, directed by Sergey Mokritsky, will be shown in 2,000 cinemas of the country, Russian Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky told journalists, comparing the new production to Hollywood's biggest blockbusters, such as Spider Man, in terms of its release scale.

The minister noted that Battle For Sevastopol was also expected to be given a massive release in Ukraine, where it would appear "on about 3,000 screens".

It "seems like" the film would be shown in Ukraine, he said, noting that the producers were "terrified" by the potential consequences of the release. Originally shot in the Russian language, the film would be dubbed into Ukrainian to be shown in that country, he added.

The shooting of Battle For Sevastopol was launched on the Crimean peninsula in autumn 2013, before anti-government protests in Kiev began. The film was due to become the first major co-production project between the two countries.

Set against the backdrop of the 1941-44 Siege of Sevastopol, the film centers on the life of legendary Soviet sniper Lyudmila Pavlichenko, also known for her visit to the United States and Canada as part of a delegation in 1942, and her calls for the Allies to take a more active role in the war against Nazi Germany.

Battle For Sevastopol was initially co-financed by Ukraine's State Film Agency and Russia's Culture Ministry. However, the secession of Crimea from Ukraine and its reunification with Russia alongside escalating tensions between the two countries suspended the project, making the prospects of the film uncertain.