The Romanov family ruled Russia from 1613 to 1917. They ascended the throne at the end of one of the most critical periods of Russian history, known as the Time of Troubles (1589 Ü 1613).

Sophia Romanov Imber: What was it like to bring this story you wrote and the interviews you had with John Ramirez, to the screen as a documentary? Keri Blakinger: Oh man, there are so many ways ...