The upcoming biographical film Words of War brings to life the courageous story of Russian journalist and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaya. For those eager to learn about the Words of War filming locations, this article from NetFilming explores where this powerful drama was shot and why these settings were chosen. Directed by James Strong, the film stars Maxine Peake as Politkovskaya, Jason Isaacs as her husband Alexander, and Ciarán Hinds as Dmitry Muratov, her editor at Novaya Gazeta. Let’s dive into the locations that helped recreate Politkovskaya’s world.
What is Words of War about?
Words of War is a gripping political drama that chronicles Anna Politkovskaya’s fearless journalism during the Second Chechen War in the late 1990s and early 2000s. As a reporter for Novaya Gazeta, she exposed corruption and human rights abuses under Vladimir Putin’s regime, facing poisoning, detention, and death threats. Tragically, her work led to her assassination in Moscow on October 7, 2006.
The film, set for a U.S. release on May 2, 2025, by Decal Releasing, portrays her unyielding commitment to truth and the personal toll it took on her family. Starring Maxine Peake as Politkovskaya, alongside Jason Isaacs and Ciarán Hinds, the movie highlights her legacy as a global symbol of press freedom. The Words of War filming locations, primarily in Latvia, were chosen to authentically recreate the tense atmosphere of her era, immersing viewers in her courageous journey. This timely story resonates today, especially with ongoing challenges to journalistic freedom worldwide.
Words of War FIlming Locations
The Words of War filming sites are primarily in Latvia, a Baltic country with historic architecture and Soviet-era settings that resemble Russia’s urban and military landscapes. Latvia was selected due to its visual authenticity and safety considerations, as filming in Russia or Ukraine was not feasible following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Producer Mark Maxey highlighted Latvia’s timely snowfall and architectural similarities, which enhanced the film’s war scenes and Moscow settings. Filming began in late 2022 and continued into February 2023, with Latvia serving as the primary hub.
Riga, Latvia
The capital city, Riga, was a central filming location for Words of War. Known for its cobblestone streets and Soviet-era buildings, Riga provided a convincing backdrop for scenes set in Moscow. The city’s historic charm and architectural diversity allowed the crew to recreate Novaya Gazeta’s offices and Politkovskaya’s urban environment. Principal photography started here, with Riga’s winter landscapes adding a stark, authentic feel to the film’s intense narrative.
Skrunda-2: The Abandoned Soviet Ghost Town
One of the standout Words of War filming settings is Skrunda-2, a former Soviet military town in western Latvia. Once home to 5,000 residents, this ghost town was abandoned after Soviet forces left in the 1990s. Its crumbling apartment blocks, empty schools, and eerie atmosphere made it an ideal setting for scenes depicting war-torn or desolate environments. Skrunda-2’s haunting visuals likely underscored the film’s portrayal of the Chechen conflict’s devastating impact, adding depth to Politkovskaya’s reporting.
Latvian National Museum of Art, Riga
The Latvian National Museum of Art in Riga also played a role in the film. Established in 1869, this cultural landmark houses over 52,000 artworks and boasts a grand building designed by Wilhelm Neumann. Reconstructed between 2010 and 2015, the museum’s elegant architecture may have been used for interior scenes, such as editorial offices or significant character moments. Its historical significance added a layer of authenticity to the film’s storytelling.
Latvian Academy of Sciences
Another notable location was the Latvian Academy of Sciences in Riga. This iconic building, often called “Stalin’s Birthday Cake” due to its Soviet-era design, features a towering structure with panoramic city views. Its imposing presence likely served as a backdrop for scenes requiring a bureaucratic or institutional setting, reflecting the oppressive atmosphere Politkovskaya faced in her work.
Additional Filming Considerations
While Latvia was the primary filming hub, some production work occurred in London, UK, likely for pre-production or specific scenes. The choice of Latvia over Ukraine, initially considered for its proximity to Chechen War settings, was driven by safety concerns. The production team’s attention to detail, such as using period-appropriate props like a leather-bound planner found by set designer Crispian Sallis, ensured the film’s settings felt true to Politkovskaya’s era.
Words of War Behind the Scenes
The making of Words of War was a meticulous process, driven by a commitment to honor Anna Politkovskaya’s legacy. Filming in Latvia, particularly in Riga and Skrunda-2, required the crew to transform these locations into early 2000s Russia. Director James Strong emphasized authenticity, stating, “We wanted to capture the raw intensity of Anna’s world, and Latvia’s landscapes gave us that gritty realism.”
Producer Mark Maxey praised the team’s attention to detail, noting how a leather-bound planner found by set designer Crispian Sallis, containing Politkovskaya’s obituary, became a poignant prop. The production faced challenges, including a shift from Ukraine to Latvia due to the 2022 Russian invasion. Despite this, the team recreated Novaya Gazeta’s offices with precision. However, controversy arose when Politkovskaya’s family criticized the script’s accuracy, prompting the producers to clarify that some scenes were dramatized but rooted in truth.
Words of War Official Trailer
For fans of biographical dramas and those inspired by Politkovskaya’s courage, this film promises to be a must-watch. Stay tuned for more updates on this powerful cinematic tribute.
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