“There is more to come”
“Дальше будет Больше”
This is the story of how Dana, a cinematographer from Omsk in Siberia, and I, a Mexican filmmaker, embarked on an adventure to cross Russia in eight days on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Though we each have very different cultural connections to this route, our shared curiosity and love for exploration brought us together. We wanted to capture the diversity of landscapes, cultures, and history that evoke a sense of connection with the past—and, of course, we wanted to film it all.
For me, it was one of my first extended train journeys. Dana and I had an idea: to make a documentary about the experience. We even tested it out on shorter trips from St. Petersburg to Moscow, 10 and 12 hours long, to see what filming on a train would be like. The technical challenges were daunting, but the idea of meeting new people over such a long route filled us with excitement. So, we decided to go for it—no matter the outcome.
1. Introduction
About the Trans-Siberian Railway
The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest train route in the world. Opened in 1904, it stretches over 9,200 kilometers, connecting Moscow to Vladivostok and spanning the vast landscapes of Russia. Despite harsh geographical and climatic conditions, it was built as a vital artery for Russia’s integration and development. Today, it stands as a historic thread connecting a country of incredible diversity.
Our Documentary Project
Our aim was to document the experience of traveling by train and to capture regional ethnic, ideological, and cultural differences through the voices of passengers. However, the historical context of the journey added unexpected depth. In February 2022, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, labeled a "special military operation" by President Putin. By the time we filmed in July 2023, the conflict was an ever-present reality, with consequences visible in the lives of everyone we met.
Without pretension, we simply filmed what needed to be filmed.
2. The Train Journey
First Impressions
It was my first long train journey, and though I had experienced 10–12 hour rides, I had no idea what it would be like to travel for eight full days.
Where You Sleep
The train offers three classes:
First class: Private compartments with air conditioning, suitable for people with mobility needs.
Second class (Kupe): Compartments with four beds, a small table, and a door. It’s quieter and offers some privacy.
Third class (Platskart): An open carriage with 47 bunks shared by everyone, with communal bathrooms.
We chose Platskart. While it wasn’t the most comfortable option, we felt that sharing a space with so many people would help us connect and create a more intimate film.
Food on Board
The train had a dining car, but we mostly brought our own food. Cooking wasn’t allowed, and the temperature fluctuated despite the air conditioning. Thankfully, the train provided hot water for tea, instant noodles, or mashed potatoes, which are staples on such trips.
We packed enough food for the first four days, planning to resupply in Omsk, Dana’s hometown. Her father surprised us with four huge bags of fresh food, more than we could eat. We ended up sharing it with fellow passengers, giving sweets to kids in our wagon.
Sleeping on the Train
Traveling across Russia means crossing 11 time zones, and the Trans-Siberian route spans eight of them. Time zones would shift every 12–24 hours depending on the stretch, creating what I’d call “railway jet lag.” Adding to this were Siberia’s White Nights, where the sun barely sets in summer. It became impossible to tell where one day ended and the next began.
We measured our days by the footage we shot and how little sleep we got. It was physically and mentally exhausting, but the unique beauty of the journey kept us going.
3. The Documentary Production
Starting the Project
Dana, a photography student, and I shared an interest in storytelling through images. For both of us, this was our first full-fledged documentary. I was nervous—not only was it my first documentary, but I was traveling in a Russian-speaking environment, relying on a language I had only been learning for a year and a half.
Challenges and Roles
Though I directed the project and Dana handled the camera, we often switched roles based on circumstances. For example, some passengers were hesitant to speak with me because I was foreign, while they were more open with Dana. On other occasions, curiosity about me as a Mexican sparked warm conversations.
Still, some were wary. Questions like “What channel are you filming for?” or “Are you journalists?” often arose. Despite our explanations that this was a personal project, some passengers declined to participate.
On the other hand, I met many who were eager to share stories, ask about my country, and even try speaking Spanish. Questions like “Do you miss your family?” or “Which country do you like more, Russia or Mexico?” became frequent.
Memorable Moments
A Wagon Full of Soldiers: On the fourth day, our wagon filled with soldiers heading to their assignments. Initially, their commander asked us not to film, but eventually, we started interacting. They shared songs, lent us books, and even taught us “Ruski Mat” (Russian slang). One soldier wrote me a mini dictionary of their expressions!
Dana’s Crush: Dana had her eyes on a bald soldier she found captivating. She joked about learning phrases like “Oh my God” in Spanish to express her excitement. At one point, she got so distracted filming close-ups of him that we all teased her.
Getting Sick: The day before we reached Vladivostok, I got food poisoning. I was so weak that I could barely stand and had to delegate everything to Dana. A military doctor gave me mysterious black pills, and while I recovered enough to finish the trip, those last 20 hours were grueling.
4. Personal Reflection
This journey pushed me in ways I hadn’t expected. It was my first time directing a documentary, my first long train trip, and my first immersion in a Russian-speaking world. It taught me resilience and the importance of staying open to the unexpected.
5. Conclusion
Highlights and Recommendations
While the Trans-Siberian Railway offers an unparalleled adventure, I wouldn’t recommend doing the full eight days without breaks. To truly experience the culture and landscapes, take time to explore major cities along the route.
An Invitation
Our documentary captures the raw essence of this journey—the beauty, the challenges, and the stories we encountered. I hope you’ll watch it to see the Trans-Siberian Railway from a fresh perspective.