Philby's choice

In 1978, geologists discovered a family of Old Believers deep in Siberian taiga, the Lykovs.  Now RTD’s film crew braves the same journey into the wilderness to meet the only remaining member of the family, Agafia.

In Russia, every schoolchild knows the name of Aleksey Maresyev. The legendary WWII fighter pilot’s heroic story was retold in a 1948 book, “The story of a real man”. After his plane was shot down by Nazi fire, he survived in the Russian wilderness for 18 days with broken legs and found his way to safety. Despite losing both legs in hospital, he still convinced doctors and military commanders that he should continue to fly. His example helped many who might otherwise have given up, some handicapped pilots say it inspired them to survive and continue with their careers.

This Soviet figure was said to know no mercy, no sympathy and no feelings at all. None apart from fear, which was his permanent companion. He was afraid of treason coming from his closest ones, and his fear was not groundless.

The distinguishing features of Russia's elite Spetsnaz soldiers include their maroon berets, unparalleled physical fitness and ability to make the right decisions at lightning speed. Evgeny Epov was one such soldier; he made the ultimate sacrifice and saved the lives of several of his comrades. 

This man has always loved his profession. He liked helping people. When war broke out he was forced to work under horrible conditions and sometimes even help terrorists… Surgeon Khassan Baiyev has survived, and is still helping people, but his face has changed forever.