Director Viktor Turov (right) during the shooting of the televised version of Polesye Chronicles based on the books by Ivan Melezh, 1984

Viktor Turov’s 1981 drama film People of the March based on Ivan Melezh’s novel of the same name was watched by over 4 million viewers in the USSR. The film received Best Acting Ensemble Award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Later Viktor Turov directed the wonderful eight-episode TV series.