Honors for Mayakovsky, revelations by explorers, and the reality behind Olga Korbut's life
Nikolai Dolgopolov, a renowned journalist with a career spanning decades, is set to be the focus of a four-part film on the "Russia-Kultura" channel. The documentary will delve into various aspects of his life, including his family, work in France and other countries, and his intriguing encounters with Soviet intelligence officers.
Dolgopolov's journalistic journey began at "KP", where he started in the sports department. His career took a significant turn when he was appointed as the newspaper's correspondent in France, and later ascended to the position of deputy chief editor. Before joining "KP", he worked as a journalist and editor at "Izvestia" newspaper in Russia.
One of the most captivating episodes in Dolgopolov's career was his conversation with Olympic gold medallist Olga Korbut. This meeting led to him securing an excellent piece, a testament to his journalistic prowess. The encounter took place in Grodno, where Dolgopolov walked Korbut home, only to find themselves engaged in a conversation at a restaurant.
The documentary will also highlight Dolgopolov's connection to the poet Vladimir Mayakovsky, whose influence extended beyond the literary world. Mayakovsky encouraged young journalists like Dolgopolov to fight for their rights and not let bureaucrats cheat them. He was particularly concerned about being deceived and insisted on being paid for each word as a line. Mayakovsky's concerns were not unfounded, as he often had arguments with the accounting department over his pay.
Mayakovsky and Dolgopolov's father had a close relationship, with Mayakovsky frequently seeking his advice about films being made. During their meetings, Mayakovsky would offer tea, sandwiches, and sometimes sausage and cheese to Dolgopolov's father.
The film will also shed light on the illegals intelligence officers, who lived their legends and led a monastic, ascetic lifestyle. One such officer, a colonel Abel's courier, gave Dolgopolov instructions to his house, instructing him to take the last metro station, last bus stop, and the last house by the forest.
Despite his numerous achievements, Dolgopolov remains humble, often beginning his stories with a casual "You know..." and downplaying his victories. However, his success is a result of immense work, great talent, and incredible professionalism. He is the author of dozens of captivating books and the honorary president of the Russian Federation of Sports Journalists.
The documentary promises to be an insightful journey into the life of one of Russia's most esteemed journalists, offering a unique perspective on his career, personal life, and encounters with the enigmatic world of Soviet intelligence.
