Based on a true story, Panfilov's 28, is a WWII film about the power of Will and the struggle to survive!
Gaijin Entertainment announces the Friday, September 1, 2017 US and Canadian release of the World War II film Panfilov’s 28, which will be available for streaming and owning in SD and HD on Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play. Panfilov’s 28 will release in Europe later this year.
Known for games such as War Thunder, a vehicular combat MMOG with more than 20 million players worldwide, and Crossout, Gaijin Entertainment is one of the producers of Panfilov’s 28. Gaijin Entertainment helped fund the film, created the film’s special effects and sound effects, and assisted in the post-production process.
Originally released in Russia to critical and financial acclaim, Panfilov’s 28 is based on the true story that took place during the heroic defence of Moscow in November 1941. The Red Army’s 316th Rifle Division, under the command of Ivan Panfilov, held back Germany’s advance on Moscow. Heavily outgunned and outnumbered by German Nazi forces (over 50 tanks, artillery and aviation support), a heroiс company of Panfilov’s division was bombarded for several days. At some point only 28 soldiers remained alive, still holding their ground, armed with limited ammo and inadequate anti-tank weapons, but they stood their ground and fought with uncommon bravery and dedication, risking their lives to protect Moscow against the Nazi invaders. Panfilov’s 28 is their story.
Originally released in theaters in Russia and CIS on November 24th, 2016, and directed by newcomers Kim Druzhinin and Andrey Shalopa, and armed with a modest budget of $3M, Panfilov’s 28 garnered critical acclaim (7/10 on IMDB even before international release) and generated a box office return of $6.4M in Russia and CIS. For comparision, Dunkirk generated $5.5M on the same territories.
Gaijin Entertainment offered War Thunder players the rare opportunity to help crowdfund the film. War Thunder players either purchased an exclusive tank pack where a portion of price went to the film, or purchased War Thunder Golden Eagles and could choose how much of the money they went to the film. In total, War Thunder players contributed more than $120K to Panfilov’s 28.