Russian director shoots film in 90 minutes

A renowned Russian director has shot a film on the Hermitage museum's 300-year history in a single, 90-minute take.

The Russian Ark project required more than six months of rehearsals with 1,000 actors

Alexander Sokurov says it's a movie as if in one breath.

He says the film, titled "The Russian Ark," was meant to be a unique "art form that combines stage play, documentary, and musical moments" shot in one place at one time.

"I have a great desire to create this form," Sokurov said. "It's not a universal way of shooting, but it's so challenging."

It also required enormous strength from Tilman Buttner, Germany's premiere steadicam specialist, to carry 35 kilograms of camera equipment non-stop, while shooting the action on the 1-mile route through 35 Hermitage halls.

The Hermitage, housed in the former Winter Palace in St Petersburg, has 350 rooms.

In the film, the main character, French aristocrat Marquis de Custine, takes spectators on a fantastic journey inside the palace from the beginning of the 18th century to modern times.