People of the Arctic
Real stories of people who chose to work and live beyond the Arctic Circle /2026
episode 1. Firefighter of the Ministry of Emergency Situations
In the first episode, we meet Alexander Ovchinnikov, a firefighter serving with the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Born and raised in Murmansk, Alexander joined the fire department by chance. What challenges might a firefighter face in the "cold desert," why does he stay in the North, and what does he see as his calling?
episode 2. Captain of the ship
In the second episode, Roman Stepanov, a small vessel captain, shared his story with us through Arctic footage. Born in the Kirov region, Roman moved north, and was hooked. He transitioned from a land-based career to the sea when he acquired and restored his own boat from scrap metal. How did a chance idea grow into a business? Is it easy to become a captain in the Arctic? And what opportunities does this profession offer, essential to every critical sector of the Arctic economy—from ecology to fisheries and tourism?
episode 3. Teacher
History teacher Pavel Nikolaev planned to become a lawyer, but after working in his field, he realized his calling was teaching children. What's the hardest part of entering a new profession? How important is it to keep up with your students? And how does your life change when you realize you're doing what you love?
episode 4. Guide to the North
Darya Podolskaya, a certified guide on the Kola Peninsula. After working as a pastry chef for nine years and tired of the "dolce vita," Dasha decided to take up freediving in the extreme waters of the Arctic Ocean. How did her first underwater whale watching experience inspire her to explore a new field? What knowledge and skills are needed to reveal the true beauty of this "icy desert" to tourists? And what draws people to this harsh region?