ECG Productions

01/20/2025

https://ecgproductions.ca/documentary-update-nearing-the-finish-line/

Documentary Update: Nearing the Finish Line! https://ecgproductions.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image0-1024x576.jpg 1024 576 ECG Productions ECG Productions https://ecgproductions.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image0-1024x576.jpg January 20, 2025 January 20, 2025 January 20, 2025 no comments We’...

01/13/2025

📽️ New Project Announcement: "Dovlatov: Unknown Pages" 🎞️

We’re excited to share that filming has officially begun on our latest ECG Productions Canada documentary, Dovlatov: Unknown Pages! This project delves into the lesser-known aspects of the life of the remarkable writer Sergei Dovlatov (1941–1990), drawing inspiration from the book In Pursuit of Dovlatov (2023) by Maksim Kravchinskii.

The documentary highlights the Canadian chapters of Dovlatov’s life, uncovering fascinating stories from his visits to Canada in 1981, 1986, and 1989. Our first interview was conducted with Yuri Shetsen, a longtime resident of the Russian community, who had the privilege of meeting Dovlatov during these visits.

Stay tuned as we uncover more untold stories of one of the most influential literary voices of the 20th century!

01/10/2025

📽️ "The Case of the Executed Pioneers"
At the "Amazing Cat" Art Center, the premiere screening of two episodes of the multi-part docudrama "The Case of the Executed Pioneers" took place. This film is part of the series "GULAG — Witnesses", produced by ECGProductions and based on the book by Anna Artemyeva and Elena Racheva, "58th: Unseized". The role of Susanna Pechuro is played by Lilia Sklyar.

These two episodes recount real events that continue to shock with their cruelty even after more than 75 years. The Soviet system mass-produced fabricated cases, but the trial of "terrorists" — former pioneers — was exceptionally ruthless.

On the defendant's bench sat 16 boys and girls, 14 of whom were Jewish.

On the night of February 13–14, 1952, the Supreme Court of the USSR delivered the verdict:

"Yevgeny Gurevich, Boris Slutsky, Vladilen Furman are sentenced to the highest measure of punishment — ex*****on by shooting.
Irena Arginskaya, Ida Vinnikova, Felix Voin, Grigory Mazur, Vladimir Melnikov, Ekaterina Panfilova, Susanna Pechuro, Alla Reif, Maya Ulanovskaya, and Inna Elgisser — 25 years of imprisonment.
Tamara Rabinovich, Galina Smirnova, Nina Uflyand — 10 years of imprisonment, followed by exile and a loss of civil rights for five years."

All these young people were members of the underground organization "Union for the Cause of the Revolution", whose story began in the Moscow City House of Pioneers in 1949.

01/07/2025

✨ Best Wishes for 2025 from ECG Productions!

As the holiday season comes to a close, our team at ECG Productions wants to extend our heartfelt wishes for a joyful and prosperous 2025! 🌟 May this new year bring you happiness, success, and cherished moments with your loved ones.

Let’s embrace the opportunities ahead and make 2025 a year to remember! Thank you for being part of our journey—we look forward to sharing more amazing moments with you in the months to come.

💙 With gratitude and warm wishes,
The ECG Productions Team

01/07/2025

What Was It Like to Live in the Soviet Union in a Family with Disabled Members?

In a society where accessibility was nearly nonexistent, life for families with disabled members in the Soviet Union was a relentless struggle. Here’s a powerful fragment from an interview with Yura Astakhov (Boston, USA) conducted by Gregory Antimony in our studio. Yura is the son of Yuri Georgievich Astakhov, one of the founders of the Soviet Union of Disabled People. His father, a first-group disabled person, sustained a spinal injury and bone tuberculosis during the bombing of Moscow in 1941 at the age of three, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.

"Life was very difficult because any movement for my father was a problem. To get up from the floor to the chair, he had to jump. It was such physical labor. But this burden was just as heavy for my mom and for me. So many disabled people, who lived on the second floor, didn’t go outside for years.

"When I got older, I just carried them on my back. I remember when someone gave my father and me tickets to the Kremlin Palace of Congresses. We tried to park the car, but it was forbidden near the Kremlin. I carried my father on my back for one and a half kilometers to get to the Kremlin."

This story highlights the incredible resilience and dedication of families who faced overwhelming challenges in a society unequipped to support their needs. It also sheds light on the determination of individuals like Yuri Georgievich Astakhov, who not only endured but became advocates for change in an unforgiving system.

How do you think societies today can learn from these stories to improve accessibility and support for disabled individuals? Share your thoughts below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6q9F7KqoFE

Юра АСТАХОВ (Бостон, США) и Грегори АНТИМОНИ (Торонто, Канада): "ЧТО ОЗНАЧАЛО ЖИТЬ В СОВЕТСКОМ СОЮЗЕ В СЕМЬЕ, ГДЕ ЕСТЬ ИНВАЛИДЫ?"Фрагмент интервью Грегори Ан...

12/22/2024

"The Stalker" of Toronto, Half-Russian, Half-Georgian, Singing in Yiddish. John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. An Artist.

On December 16, Yuri Tsevi, the hero of one of our films, an actor, singer, "stalker" of Toronto, and a man with an extraordinary life story, passed away. His life is a story of kindness and betrayal, love and indifference, and how circumstances can force someone to change everything: their profession, country, lifestyle, and even family. To almost die but still return to life. To lose everything but retain faith in oneself and those nearby.

Yuri was born in Tbilisi, raised by his Russian mother, and had little memory of his Georgian father. After finishing school, Yuri moved to Moscow and entered GITIS (Russian Institute of Theatre Arts). Upon graduation, he unexpectedly received an invitation to join the newly established Jewish Musical Theatre. This was a unique theatre where Yiddish was spoken and sung on stage—a remarkable phenomenon in the USSR of the late 1970s. Yuri learned to sing in Yiddish and became one of the theatre's soloists.

Later, at the Mossovet Theatre, he played the role of Jesus Christ in the rock opera *Jesus Christ Superstar*, which appeared on the Moscow stage during the Perestroika years. Everything seemed to be falling into place.

But in 1992, during a tour in Canada, Yuri fell gravely ill:
*"I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called Wegener's granulomatosis. As an exception, the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs arranged for me to be admitted to a hospital, where I died on the second day—spent a month in a coma. They saved me, but the tracheal tube damaged my vocal cords, ending my singing career. No one was nearby; I was utterly alone. It was terrifying. My wife was brought to Canada by the actors' union. I was in the hospital, weighing 40 kilograms, unable to speak, with my hair gone from chemotherapy… do I need to describe more? But I survived."*

He had to rebuild his life—learn a new language, acquire a new profession, and support his family. Returning to Russia was impossible—only in Canada could doctors maintain his condition with unique medications. He met new acquaintances, one of whom hired him at a bakery. Yuri learned to bake cookies. The most important thing was that he was alive, and he would overcome everything.

Yuri tried many things in his immigrant life and eventually created something that became his new calling:
*"One-day tours in my minivan, which I hope bring joy to all travelers wanting to see Niagara Falls, taste Ontario wines at a winery, visit Curve Lake Indigenous reserves, admire the beauty of the Saint Lawrence River, or explore Petroglyphs Provincial Park—a sacred site with a stone covered in ancient carvings, an unsolved message from Canada's first peoples.

Socrates famously said, 'Do your work and know yourself,' and I strive to live by this principle—to continue discovering myself through my profession, thinking, and reality. In my current job, I am my own director, screenwriter, actor, and even critic. When people ask me what makes my company different from others, I give a simple answer: the guide’s individuality. When someone is on a tour with me, they need to spend 4 to 12 hours with me. Sometimes, we can't tolerate someone for even an hour, but if people keep reaching out, recommending me to friends and family, it means I must be doing my work at a high professional and ethical level."*

We collaborated with Yuri on several projects. He became the subject of the program *Interview Hour* and later a documentary film.

Yuri's life journey is an inspiration and a reminder that true strength lies in finding light even in the darkest times.
https://vimeo.com/286690702

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Трейлер фильма "Над вымыслом слезами обольюсь…"

12/10/2024

Dina and Polina BOGOMAZOV: "HIS NAME WAS SHAKIR YUNUSOVICH DAUTOV"
https://youtu.be/oDR-FiRZdfQ
In today's Russia, everything related to the topic of repressions and the Gulag is gradually being banned. The work we started more than five years ago is becoming increasingly relevant. We collect these testimonies to restore justice and remind people of the unpaid debt our memory owes to the millions of victims. One such story is about Shakir Yunusovich Dautov. His granddaughter and great-granddaughter, Dina and Polina Bogomazov, share their family's story to preserve the truth for future generations.

#ГУЛАГ, #ШакирДаутов, #ДинаБогомазова, #ПолинаБогомазова, #Репрессии, , , , , #ГУЛАГ #СССР, , , ,

Дина и Полина БОГОМАЗОВЫ: "ЕГО ЗВАЛИ ШАКИР ЮНУСОВИЧ ДАУТОВ" В сегодняшней России все, что связано с темой репрессий и ГУЛАГа, постепенно оказывается под запр...

12/06/2024

We have exciting news! 🎉 The film "Trojan Jazz" now has its new website! 🎬
https://www.trojanjazz.com/

The film's director has mastered yet another skill — she’s now a website developer (well, almost 😅). We created this platform to preserve the unique interviews of the film's participants, some of whom, sadly, are no longer with us: George Avakian, Giya Kancheli, Vladlen Neplokh, Sergey Khrushchev... 🌟

But the website is more than just an archive. It will also be a tool for the film's distribution! We are ready to bring this incredible story to screens on any platform. 📽️ And there’s more to come — we plan to create an English-language dub to make the story of "Trojan Jazz" accessible to audiences worldwide. 🌍🎷

Visit our website and stay connected!
Freedom is our religion, and jazz is its voice. 🎶

12/05/2024

Five years ago, the premiere of our film Trojan Jazz took place at the Perun Cinema in Irpin, Ukraine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tit-GdhdQ7A
Irpin was chosen for the screening for a reason. The city is tied to a unique story that inspired one of the film’s episodes. At the center of this story is Hryhoriy Fedkin, a talented Ukrainian flutist and a resident of Irpin. His remarkable journey began in 1962 when Benny Goodman, during his tour of the USSR, unexpectedly visited Kyiv's radio station after a concert. Known as the King of Swing, Goodman wanted to record Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto with the radio committee’s orchestra. After performing, he expressed his gratitude to the orchestra and decided to give a unique gift: “I would like to present a gold flute to the principal flutist. Who is your first flutist?”
That musician was Hryhoriy Fedkin. However, the story did not end there. The next day, Fedkin was summoned by the chairman of the committee for broadcasting and television, who demanded he hand over the flute to the orchestra’s fund, claiming it was intended for the ensemble. Fedkin refused, stating the flute had been given to him personally. This refusal cost him his job—he was dismissed from the orchestra. It is said that Fedkin later earned his living repairing musical instruments and occasionally playing at funerals.
During the making of the film, we located Fedkin’s children and spoke with Vyacheslav Busel, who knew him during those years. Their memories helped us reconstruct this extraordinary story.
Scenes filmed in Irpin captured the city, including the central square adorned with sculptures of musicians. Among them was the figure of a flutist. Today, these scenes hold a tragic resonance: in 2022, Irpin endured occupation by Russian forces, becoming a symbol of courage and resistance.
Trojan Jazz draws parallels between past and present. It reminds us that Russia’s war against Ukraine is not just a struggle over territory but a clash of two value systems: a totalitarian past and a free future. A banner on Kyiv’s Maidan Square reading "Freedom is our religion" starkly contrasts with the Russian reality, where art remains under the control of those who uphold the methods of the KGB.
This film is not only about music but also about the strength of the human spirit, which continues to inspire even in the darkest times.

12/02/2024

We’re excited to announce the start of our new documentary, *Code 4.5.0*! This film tells the story of Marichka, a brave volunteer who supports Ukrainians while living in Canada.

This week, we began filming with a beautiful winter folk song workshop, capturing moments of culture, resilience, and community.

Directed by Olena Tumanska

Camera: Ivan Kyba, Vladimir Strungar

12/02/2024

🎬 Exciting Update on Danylo's Adventures: From Ukraine to Canada! 🌟

We’re in the final stages of post-production for this heartwarming 2D animated series! The editing process is in full swing, and we’re busy creating English subtitles to ensure the story can be enjoyed by audiences far and wide.

This tale of courage, creativity, and cultural pride is almost ready to share with the world. Stay tuned for the big release – coming soon! 🎥✨

11/23/2024

✨ Exciting Announcement from ECG Productions! ✨

We are thrilled to introduce our upcoming 2D animation series, "Past Forward: Meet the Legends." This captivating series follows siblings Anna and Sam as they travel through time to witness some of the greatest inventions and discoveries in modern history.

Directed by the talented Irina Volkova, with Olesia Buganova as the main editor and Miroslav Delev as the sound editor, the series is set to bring history to life in an engaging and educational way.

With 20 episodes planned, one of the first will spotlight the groundbreaking discovery of insulin by a group of brilliant scientists from the University of Toronto in 1921—a moment that changed the world forever.

Stay tuned for more updates as we take you on a journey through time to meet the legends behind the innovations that shaped our world!

11/07/2024

Under the guidance of an acclaimed producer Felix Golubev, our team is capturing some incredible moments from our dancing classes as we gear up for a major dance competition event. With talented camera work by Vlad Strungar and Ivan Kyba, under the direction of Olena Tumanska, every step and turn is coming to life on screen. Our main character, Irina Jacobson, is pushing boundaries, and we’re grateful to have Stilian Kostov leading the dance classes with his inspiring choreography. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for the big competition!

11/07/2024

Trailer for our latest project, Danylo's Adventures: From Ukraine to Canada!

We’re happy to share the trailer for our latest project, Danylo's Adventures: From Ukraine to Canada!

This cartoon was made to support Ukrainian kids who have come to Canada, helping them feel proud of their heritage. In each episode, Danylo, a young Ukrainian boy, discovers amazing stories of Ukrainians who have made a difference in history.

We hope this cartoon brings smiles and shows the strength of the Ukrainian spirit. 💙💛

A big congratulations to Olena Tumanska and her team on this wonderful progress. We can’t wait to see the full piece come to life!

11/05/2024

🇺🇦 Standing with Ukraine: Supporting the Fight for Freedom 🇺🇦

Dear followers,
The ECG Productions team firmly stands with Ukraine. Along with expressing our support through artistic work, our team members donate every month to the Main Military Clinical Hospital in Kyiv. As the war continues, we must not forget those on the frontlines, fighting for freedom.

While donations are often used for drones or anti-drone equipment, many are unaware of the life-saving importance of the Ilizarov apparatus and intramedullary rods/nails. These are crucial in stabilizing and healing severely fractured bones, preventing the need for amputation. Unfortunately, as the number of injured soldiers grows, the supply of these devices diminishes—and it’s donations that fill this critical gap.

Over the past 1000 days of war, our team has helped countless lives through these donations, making a life-saving impact for soldiers and their families. We call on you, our followers, to continue supporting Ukraine in whatever way you can—whether through artistic contributions or by providing direct assistance to those affected.

For those looking to help, you can contact Olga Antiwar on Instagram () or Facebook (Olga Antiwar), who works directly with the Main Military Clinical Hospital in Kyiv.

In the end, Good Must Prevail! ✊🇺🇦

11/05/2024

This summer, as part of the project "Virsky: The Dance of Freedom," directed by our colleague Mykyta Novokhatskyy , we had the incredible opportunity to interview Member of Parliament, Yvan Baker . 🇨🇦🇺🇦

Yvan’s deep connection to his Ukrainian roots stems from his mother, who immigrated to Canada after WWII at the age of five. His grandparents, like many victims of war, lived in a displaced persons camp before finding refuge in Canada. From an early age, Yvan has been actively involved with the Ukrainian Canadian community, and this connection continues to drive his work today.

As the former President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Ontario Provincial Council, Yvan worked on several important issues, including the recognition of the Holodomor, the genocide that occurred in Ukraine between 1932 and 1933, and advocating for its inclusion in the Ontario school curriculum.

Yvan’s pride in his Ukrainian heritage and dedication to both the Ukrainian and Canadian communities are truly inspiring. As a former dancer, he is also connected to the Virsky ensemble and played a key role in bringing the Virsky MasterClass to Canada.

Stay tuned as we bring Yvan’s story and the powerful legacy of Virsky to life in this upcoming documentary!

10/30/2024

📢 This was the 18th "Return of Names" and the third in Toronto.

🌍 5 continents
🌏 43 countries
🏙️ 134 cities
📣 150 events — 100 of them broadcast live
🎙️ Over 1800 names read during the live stream
📋 12,000 name cards distributed through the bot

In the photo — participants at the Toronto event.

10/30/2024

For the third time, our company, which has been working for several years on the project "GULAG. Witnesses," is organizing the "Return of Names" event in Toronto at the Raoul Wallenberg Monument. Wallenberg, risking his life during the Holocaust, saved tens of thousands of people but was later arrested and disappeared in Stalin's prisons.
This year in Russia, on the eve of the event, several providers blocked access to the "Return of Names" website. Every year, on October 29 or 30, in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other cities, including many cities worldwide, people gather to honor the memory of the victims of Soviet repression by reading their names aloud. Russia is demonstrating a revival of the core elements of the Stalinist regime, with its cult of the infallible leader, "unerring" organs of power, destruction of enemies, and the threat of anyone falling into the gears of the repressive machine from which it is almost impossible to escape. After the closure and designation of "Memorial" and other organizations as foreign agents, the state policy of commemorating the victims of repression is being revised. The mass nature of these crimes is no longer acknowledged.
The "Return of Names" event is now in its third year against the backdrop of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. And this war is not just a struggle for territory or political interests. It is a war of the totalitarian past, which Russia is reviving, against the future, where Ukraine defends not only its independence but also a key system of values, centered on human freedom and dignity.