The film is based on the science-fiction novel "A Picnic on the Roadside" by Russian sci-fi writers, the brothers Arkady and Boris Strugatsky.

Stalker is the man who knows a lot about the system of obstacles and traps in the Zone. He knows the way to the coveted room where any wish may come true. To find this room is the goal of Writer and Professor. The writer hopes to find inspiration there, the professor dreams of making a discovery. Led by the Stalker, they finally reach the room… But will they be able to enter it? And what will the path of self-knowledge lead to? The Andrei Tarkovsky film does not offer definitive answers.

Quoted in the film are the verses by poets Fyodor Tyutchev and Arseny Tarkovsky, the director’s father.

Awards:
Luchino Visconti Prize for Andrei Tarkovsky at the David Donatello Competition in Italy, 1980;
Special Jury Prize (Interfilm and OSIK) at the Cannes IFF, 1980;
FIPRESCI Prize at the Cannes IFF, 1981;
Special Ecumenical Jury Prize for Off-Competition Films at the Cannes IFF, 1982

Special Freatures:
Photographs and filmografies of the cast and crew members;
Photo album;
Interview with photography director A. Knyazhinsky;
Interview with production designer R. Safiullin;
Interview with composer E. Artemiev;
Fragment from A. Tarkovskys diploma work, "The Streamroller and the Violin";
Documentary about A. Tarkovskys house, "Memory";
Coming soon on DVD.