Expressing different versions of love, the different stories behind it and how people have figured it out: Peeter Rebane and Tom Prior on Firebird

Firebird is a Cold War era-set story of forbidden desire between two Soviet pilots, conscript Sergey and officer Roman, adapted from the memoir of Sergey Fetisov, The Story of Roman. Estonian writer-director Peeter Rebane (previously known for his non-fiction work) was both surprised to learn of the existence of such LGBTQ+ romances in that time and moved to tears when he read Fetisov’s book, so he set about turning it into his first feature film. British actor Tom Prior (Kingsman: The Secret Service, The Theory of Everything) soon came on board, not only to play Sergey, but also as a co-collaborator and co-writer on the script, along with Fetisov and Rebane. Next, Ukrainian Oleg Zagorodnii was cast as Roman, but had the tall order of needing to learn English for the role in just three months – although the necessity for Zagorodnii and Prior to communicate predominately through looks and gestures at first inadvertently added to their electric performances.

And so ensued the journey to make this Estonian answer to Brokeback Mountain a reality. The result is a powerful, yet tragic tale, rendered in lovingly made detail that charts their romance from first meeting, when Roman, a dashing, daring fighter pilot, arrives on the Soviet-controlled Estonian base where young Sergey is reluctantly completing his military service while dreaming of becoming an actor. The viewer sees their connection build from friendship into fiery romance over a shared passion for culture, and then crash back down to reality as the relationship sparks the interest of the all-seeing eye of the Soviet regime and the KGB, forcing them apart for over six years. Swept up in the drama is Luisa, secretary to the base commander, who adds complexity to their dangerous, prohibited love affair. 

The film is a stark reminder of how, only in recent history, same-sex relationships were not only unaccepted socially, but could pose a threat to life and freedom, particularly in the Russian military where it was criminalised – and, indeed, that remains true in many parts of the world where infringements on who people are allowed to love are actually increasing rather than decreasing. The movie itself was censored from Moscow Film Festival after facing protests, complaints of being “homosexual propaganda” and nearly 100 negative articles, some referencing Moscow being “shamed”. Additionally, the still-unfolding situation in Ukraine brings the relevance of Rebane’s film out of history and into the present. Zagorodnii himself was unable to leave his home country to honour press commitments for their film due to the ongoing war. He spoke to the London screening audience via video link: “[In] my country today, Ukraine, we fight for our freedom to be Ukrainian in the future, to stay ourselves”. Yet the film also holds a message of hope: that despite all the constraints that existed under the repressive regime of the USSR, love did still flourish, proving it can and will always exist against all the odds, whatever the cost.

The Upcoming had the pleasure of speaking with Rebane and Prior on the red carpet for the premiere in London. The director spoke about being moved by Fetisov’s book, casting Prior and Zagorodnii, the importance of telling LGBTQ+ love stories in period dramas and the impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war on the movie’s relevance.

Prior then shared how he came on board with the project, not just as an actor but also as co-writer, the precious time he was able to spend with Fetisov to inform his performance before he died in 2017, working with Rebane and Zagorodnii and his reaction to suggestions he take on the role of the next Bond. 

We also sat down with the pair for a more in-depth chat about the movie as part of the BFI Flare Festival.

Sarah Bradbury

Firebird is released in select cinemas on 22^nd April 2022. Read our review of the film here.

Watch the trailer for Firebird here: