Filming took place in several locations, including the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan and the Caspian Sea coast near Makhachkala. The Karakum Desert was chosen for its rugged and picturesque landscapes, perfect for creating the atmosphere of an oriental adventure. The Caspian Sea coast adds realism to the scenes with Vereshchagin's barque, emphasizing the isolation and danger faced by the characters. These locations not only enhance the visual perception of the movie, but also help to convey the spirit of the time and place in which the action unfolds.
Pedgent
In movie
Scene where Sukhov, along with Said and nine freed women, arrives at Pegent. He knocks on the door and is opened by an old man named Lebedev, who introduces himself as the curator of the museum. Sukhov asks where the entire population is, to which he receives the answer that they are hiding and asks him to remove his harem from here. Sukhov responds by saying that the liberated women will hide at his place and no answer is not accepted.
Timing: 01:05:05
Real
Scene was shot in the vicinity of the town of Bayramali (Mary province of Turkmenistan). The city of Pedjent in the movie “White Sun of the Desert” is a collective image of eastern cities. In it one can see elements of architecture and culture of Central Asia. Director Vladimir Motyl strived to create a bright and memorable image of the city, which would become one of the key elements of the movie. Initially, the scenes in the city of Pedjente were shot in Dagestan, in the vicinity of Makhachkala on the Caspian Sea coast. However, later it was decided to reshoot most of the scenes in another location - in the town of Bayramali, Mary province of Turkmenistan. This made it possible to create more authentic images of the eastern city and its inhabitants.
Sukhov's home in his memoirs
In movie
Scene where Sukhov sleeps and dreams of his abandoned home and his beloved Ekaterina Matveyevna. In this dream he sees her in their native green village. Ekaterina Matveyevna looks at him with her blue eyes. Sukhov feels warm and calm, remembering these moments. Suddenly, however, he wakes up and realizes that he is in a harsh desert. There is only sand and scorching sun around him. This scene emphasizes his longing for home and his beloved.
Timing: 01:19:33
Real
Scene was shot in the village of Mistolovo, located in the Leningrad Region, it played an important role in the filming of the movie White Sun of the Desert. In 1968, when filming began, Mistolovo was a quiet and picturesque place surrounded by forests and fields. Here was the dacha of composer Isaac Schwartz, who wrote the music for the movie. Director Vladimir Motyl, having visited these places, decided that they are ideal for filming the scene of sleep of Comrade Sukhov. Mistolovo was chosen for its seclusion and natural beauty, which allowed for the atmosphere of tranquility and reverie necessary for the dream scene. These locations also provided convenient conditions for the film crew, as they were not far from Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), where the Lenfilm studio was located. Today, Mistolovo has changed significantly. This place has become popular among residents of St. Petersburg and the surrounding area due to its proximity to the city and picturesque nature. Modern cottage settlements and dachas have been built here, and there is a developed infrastructure for recreation and living.
Desert
In movie
Scene where Fyodor Sukhov, le protagoniste, rentre chez lui après son séjour en Asie centrale. En chemin, il rencontre un homme, Saïd, enterré dans le sable jusqu'à la tête, qu'il décide d'aider et qu'il déterre avant la tombée de la nuit. Après l'avoir déterré, Sukhov le traîne jusqu'au village le plus proche, la ville de Pejent.
Timing: 01:14:54
Real
Scene was shot In the sands of the Sarykum barkhan, the iconic scene where Sukhov finds Said buried in the sand and digs him up was filmed. The Sarykum barkhan in Dagestan became an ideal location because it offered a variety of views: from the vast expanse of the desert to picturesque sand dunes.
