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Chernobyl - A Bomb That Keeps Ticking (2024)

A few weeks after the catastrophic explosion at Chernobyl in 1986, a young scientist was sent to assess the effects of the fallout. Three decades later, he is now a world-leading contamination expert and is returning to the site to uncover some shocking ongoing issues that threaten 35 million people. Then, while he is there on the very first day of the Ukraine war, Russian tanks roll in, capture the plant, march away 170 of the plant's staff, who have never been seen or heard from since, and dig themselves an early grave.

  • Allen Dobrovolsky
    Director
    Murder on the Reef, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8036226/
  • Paddy Payne
    Writer
    Ice Cold Catch, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1007843
  • Allen Dobrovolsky
    Producer
    Murder on the Reef, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8036226/
  • Paddy Payne
    Editor
    Ice Cold Catch, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1007843
  • Danil Shevchenko
    Director of Photography
    One Day with Doctor Sergio, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13334950/
  • Tim Payne
    Online Editor / Colourist
    The 'New Fentanyl' – War On Drugs
  • Ben Sims
    Dubbing Mixer
    The Neglected Pandemic: 40 Years of HIV and AIDS, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16944218
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Television
  • Genres:
    expository documentory
  • Runtime:
    52 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    April 26, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    140,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Australia
  • Country of Filming:
    Ukraine
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Allen Dobrovolsky

Dr Allen Dobrovolsky is a world-renowned contamination expert and the director of the multi-award-winning documentary “Murder on the Reef” (2018). His career has been deeply intertwined with the Chernobyl disaster and its aftermath. Shortly after the catastrophic explosion at Chernobyl in 1986, Allen was sent to assess the fallout's effects. This pivotal experience set the course for his life's work, focusing on understanding and mitigating the long-term environmental and health impacts of radionuclide contamination.

In recent years, Allen's expertise has extended to addressing the geopolitical ramifications of nuclear energy sites in conflict zones. The occupation of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant by Russian forces during the Ukraine war brought renewed urgency to his mission. The capture and subsequent disappearance of 170 staff members at Chernobyl, along with the reckless actions of the occupying troops, underscore the ongoing dangers posed by these sites.

Allen's latest documentary, "Chernobyl - A Bomb That Keeps Ticking," is a powerful exploration of these issues. The film combines archival footage, personal interviews, and on-site investigations to reveal the harrowing story of environmental contamination, government cover-ups, and the ongoing threat to millions of people. Released in late April 2024, the documentary has already begun to garner attention for its compelling narrative and urgent message.

In addition to his work on Chernobyl, Allen has conducted extensive scientific studies across Europe, assessing the environmental and health impacts of anthropogenic pollution. He founded A.D. Envirotech Australia Pty Ltd in 1997, which later evolved into ADE Consulting Group Pty Ltd, a leading environmental consultancy in Australia. His film production company, AESA Films, has produced acclaimed documentaries, including "Murder on the Reef," which highlights environmental challenges and has received 16 Best Documentary Film awards.

Allen's commitment to environmental protection extends beyond filmmaking. In October 2023, he was invited to speak at the high-level International Conference "United for Justice. United for Nature" in Ukraine, where he emphasized the severe ecological consequences of the Russian war on Ukraine's ecosystem. His presentation highlighted the potential contaminants of concern along the frontline and downstream of the Kakhovka dam.

Dr Allen Dobrovolsky continues to lead efforts in environmental remediation and advocacy, leveraging his unique blend of scientific expertise and storytelling to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. His work on "Chernobyl - A Bomb That Keeps Ticking" is a testament to his dedication to uncovering the truth and inspiring global action.

For more information, visit Allen Dobrovolsky on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9586974/

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"Chernobyl - A Bomb That Keeps Ticking" is not just a documentary; it is a profound journey into one of the most catastrophic events in human history and its enduring aftermath. As someone who was on the ground in the wake of the 1986 explosion, I have dedicated my life to uncovering the truth behind the lingering impacts of Chernobyl.

Three decades after I first set foot in the devastated zone, the scars of that day remain as stark as ever. This documentary is the culmination of years of meticulous research and firsthand experiences. It aims to shed light on the ongoing environmental contamination and the grave health implications for millions of people. Through archival footage, personal interviews, and on-site investigations, the film unveils the disturbing reality of a disaster that continues to affect lives long after the initial explosion.

The recent invasion of Ukraine has added a new layer of urgency to this story. The capture of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant by Russian forces and the subsequent disappearance of 170 staff members underline the site's precarious position as a geopolitical pawn and a potential doomsday weapon. The reckless actions of the occupying troops, who dug trenches in highly contaminated Exclusion Zone, highlight the perpetual dangers that Chernobyl still poses.

This documentary is a call to action. It is a reminder that the consequences of Chernobyl are far from over and that we must remain vigilant in our efforts to mitigate its impacts. My hope is that "Chernobyl - A Bomb That Keeps Ticking" will not only educate but also inspire global audiences to advocate for stronger environmental protections and accountability.

As a filmmaker and a scientist, I am committed to telling stories that matter. This film is a testament to the resilience of those affected by the disaster and a warning of the enduring legacy of nuclear contamination. I invite you to join me on this journey and to help spread the message that Chernobyl's story is still unfolding and demands our attention.

Thank you for considering "Chernobyl - A Bomb That Keeps Ticking" for your festival. It is a story that the world needs to hear.

Dr A. Dobrovolsky
Director, "Chernobyl - A Bomb That Keeps Ticking"