Seven Versts Before Dawn

Seven Versts Before Dawn (2026)



Семь вёрст до рассвета

8.0 2026 102 min Russia

Director: Alexandr Andreev

Cast: Fyodor Dobronravov, Mariya Shukshina, Victor Dobronravov, Timofey Kochnev, Artyom Bystrov

Drama History War
Set against the harrowing backdrop of the Great Patriotic War’s opening days, elderly Kuzmich of Kurakino village foresees a grueling conflict ahead. When Nazi forces seize his home and oppression escalates, his deliberate detachment draws suspicion from the community. After witnessing the execution of neighbors and facing accusations of treason, Kuzmich reluctantly agrees to guide a German unit—under the pretense of securing a horse and shielding his family. His true mission, however, is a self-sacrificing ruse: through his grandson Vaska, he secretly alerts Soviet forces to the enemy’s path. In a final, fateful move, Kuzmich steers the German mountain troops into a deadly ambush, echoing the legendary sacrifice of Ivan Susanin. Paying the ultimate price, the old man leads the invaders to their doom, cementing his legacy as an enduring icon of grassroots defiance.

More About This Film

Seven Versts Before Dawn is a Russian World War II drama based on the real-life story of Matvey Kuzmich Kuzmin, a peasant who became famous for an act of resistance against the German army during the Great Patriotic War. The film dramatizes the final stage of Kuzmin's life and his decision to guide enemy troops through dangerous winter terrain.

Directed by Alexandr Andreev, the film is based on Boris Polevoy's story The Last Day of Matvey Kuzmin. Fyodor Dobronravov stars as Kuzmin, supported by Maria Shukshina, Viktor Dobronravov, Artyom Bystrov, Oleg Gaas, and Vyacheslav Chepurchenko.

  • Alexandr Andreev directed and co-wrote the screenplay.
  • Fyodor Dobronravov plays Matvey Kuzmin.
  • Maria Shukshina plays Kuzmin's second wife, Yefrosinya Shabanova.
  • The film was produced by Reka Studio in cooperation with the Russian Ministry of Defence and the Government of the Pskov Oblast.
  • It was theatrically released in Russia on April 30, 2026 and has a reported runtime of 102 minutes.

Where to Watch

Seven Versts Before Dawn was released theatrically in Russia, with digital availability depending on regional licensing.

  • Kinopoisk – subscription or rental, where available
  • IVI – subscription or rental, where available
  • Okko – subscription or rental, where available
  • Wink – subscription or rental, where available
  • YouTube – streaming, rental, or purchase, if available
  • Google TV – rental or purchase, depending on region