Shchelkin: Godfather of the First Atomic Bomb

Kirill Ivanovich Shchelkin is not well-known among the most honored scientists of the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, Shchelkin was one of the main creators of atomic and hydrogen bombs, one of the founders of modern cosmonautics, three times a hero of Socialist labor, a man whom Igor Kurchatov called ‘The Godfather of the atomic bomb.’ The scientific research of Shchelkin and his colleagues, without exaggeration, saved the world from a third world war and ensured a peaceful life not only in Russia, but for all mankind.

Directed by Oleg Massarygin, Shchelkin: Godfather of the First Atomic Bomb leans on a strong ensemble — Oleg Tsvetkov, Vladimir Shcherbakov, Arman Navasardyan — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2019.