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Why did you choose this location for your video?

Ulyana Ponomareva: We chose the Lysaya Gora memorial complex in Volgograd as the location for filming a video about the Battle of Stalingrad because it is one of the most important battlefields. During the Battle of Stalingrad, fierce fighting for the strategic height of 145.5 took place here, lasting 147 days.

Vladimir Kalachev: Lysaya Gora is a sacred place for every Volgograd resident. During the war, it was a very important strategic point, offering a panoramic view of the entire city. Some of the fiercest fighting took place there. That's why my school and I chose this location, because we are obligated to honor the memory of those who gave their lives for our present and future.

Anastasia Kozhevnikova: We chose Lysaya Gora because this place is connected to the events of the Great Patriotic War—it helped create an authentic atmosphere for the film and highlight the significance of the topic.

Elvira Tkachenko: This place holds a tremendous historical memory and a special atmosphere. Here, you feel an especially vivid connection with the events of the past, as well as the heroism of the people who defended our city during the war.

School No. 54 has a partnership agreement with a school in Jilin, and the project participants know the history of not only their city but also its Chinese sisters. They even imagined what they would do if they could spend a whole day in each of them.

Elvira Tkachenko and Anastasia Kozhevnikova: We know a lot about the city of Jilin. During one day in Jilin, our first stop would be the Meteorite Museum, where we would go to see the giant meteorite "Jilin-1," weighing 1,770 kg. Then we'd stroll through Beishan Park, enjoying the views of the city from above and the atmosphere of the ancient temples of three religions. Finally, we'd finish the day with a walk along the Songhua River to admire the sunset and soak up the spirit of the "River City."

Vladimir Kalachev: I've heard of all of Volgograd's Chinese sister-cities. I think I'd like to visit Jilin, but simply visiting any other country is a great honor and an interesting experience already.

Ulyana Ponomareva: If I had the chance to spend one day in one of these cities, I'd choose Chengdu. I'd be interested in visiting the Giant Panda Research and Breeding Center, seeing the traditional culture of Sichuan Province, and trying the famous Sichuan cuisine. It would be especially interesting to stroll through the city's ancient streets, visit teahouses, and experience the atmosphere of both modern and historical China.

What are our participants' expectations for the project? We asked them before, and now, as we wait for our international friends to submit their own videos, we hope each of them will come true.

Anastasia Kozhevnikova and Elvira Tkachenko: To deepen knowledge about the history of the Great Patriotic War and the heroism of the defenders of the Motherland, to foster patriotism and preserve historical memory, and to promote the development of cultural and historical tourism in the city.

Gleb Efimov: I hope to gain new experience and tell the people abroad more about my city.

Ulyana Ponomareva: I expect that participating in the project will help me better understand the history and culture of China, as well as strengthen international ties and exchange experiences with young people from different countries. For me, this is an opportunity to gain new knowledge, develop communication and teamwork skills, meet interesting people, and participate in artistic and research activities.

Vladimir Kalachev: Anything can be expected. The main possible outcome for me is to strengthen the relations between our peoples.

They'll definitely get stronger! Thanks to you – and your video, which is already being watched in China!