Cinema in the Heart of Siberia: The Putorana Plateau as a Filming Destination

From August 20 to 23, the Yenisei Cinema team embarked on an expedition to the Putorana Plateau, capturing its unique landscapes through photo and video materials. These visuals are intended for film companies interested in utilizing the breathtaking locations within the Krasnoyarsk Territory for their projects.

The Putorana Plateau attracts filmmakers from around the globe with its extraordinary natural beauty and rugged climate. Renowned for its trap-like formations—vast flat-topped massifs separated by deep, stepped canyons—the plateau also boasts glacial lakes and rare wildlife, including bighorn sheep and endangered bird species. The mountains, with their domed and tiered shapes, lend the area an otherworldly appearance. Summer lasts just two months here, offering filmmakers a rare window to capture the region’s distinct atmosphere. The unique environment of Putorana evokes powerful emotions and creates visually striking scenes, impossible to replicate elsewhere.

The Yenisei Cinema team explored and documented the following locations, showcasing the stunning diversity and grandeur of the Putorana Plateau:

1. Valek Pier and the Norilka River: A striking contrast of natural environments, ranging from endless swampy meadows and dwarf shrubs to dense coniferous forests dominated by towering larches and firs. The pier feels like a threshold between civilization and untouched wilderness.
2. Lakes Lama and Melkoe: Framed by steep, rocky mountains, these lakes provide an ideal setting for epic shots of the northern wilderness. Lake Lama is renowned for its crystal-clear, deep waters that mirror the surrounding peaks. The boat route passes the historically significant Lama base, which has been carefully restored.
3. Excursion Routes “Pionersky,” “Ascent to the Plateau Above the Idol,” and “Crying Rocks”: These routes feature waterfalls, cascading streams, and fascinating rock formations that create unique lighting effects. The trails lead through ancient stone structures, perfect for the backdrop of a mystical or adventure narrative.
4. The House of Geologist N.N. Urvantsev: Preserved in its original state, this house retains the spirit of early Arctic explorers and the era when researchers first ventured into these harsh territories.
5. Bunisyak Base on Lake Lama: This base offers picturesque filming opportunities and adventurous routes. Additionally, the magnificent northern lights can be captured here, an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon that brings magic and drama to any scene.

Yenisei Cinema is committed to supporting filmmakers by facilitating the production process and providing in-depth information on the region’s unique filming locations. Much of the footage from this expedition will feature in the upcoming Yenisei Meridian newsreel, Issue No. 9.

The Putorana Plateau is a treasure trove of natural film sets, increasingly sought after by cinematographers, thanks to the ongoing support of Yenisei Cinema. We invite film companies to collaborate with us and discover the incredible beauty of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, where every location is ready to be transformed into a cinematic masterpiece.

For more locations, visit: https://filmcommission.ru.