The Man Who Saved the World

Stanislav Petrov is by no means a household name. However in 1983, in the midst of the Cold War, he took a decision which likely had a profound impact on the course of global history. On September 26 of that year, reports of incoming U.S. missiles reached Serpukhov-15, a Soviet command centre outside of Moscow.
Stanislav Petrov
Petrov was the on-duty officer at the time and according to protocol was to issue retaliatory action. However, rightly suspecting a technological fault, he reported a false alarm and in so doing avoided a potentially devastating turn of events.
Peter Anthony: director
Director Peter Anthony’s The Man Who Saved The World finds Petrov as an old man, both at home in Russia and on a tour around America. Exploring a pivotal moment in Twentieth Century history, the film examines the global and personal impact of Petrov’s decision. Combining dramatic reconstructions with documentary footage, it is both a reflection on the events of the mid-to-late Twentieth Century, and an illuminating character study.
The Man Who Saved The World: film review
A reflective and engaging piece of cinema, its resonances are manifold and contemporary. After all, debates over the dangers of nuclear weapons systems continue to populate public discourse, provoking controversy and often stark divergence of opinion. Uncovering a significant but little known narrative, Anthony’s The Man Who Saved The World is a valuable contribution to this dialogue.
The Man Who Saved The World: UK release date
The film airs in UK cinemas from May 15 onwards.