Four evenings on Russia, in partnership with De Balie

The evenings are part of a larger series of Russia Reports, organised monthly to explore political, social and cultural themes in contemporary Russia.

The evenings that DutchCulture organises with De Balie focus on three themes: literature and publishing havens, documentaries, and urban development. Through these themes we seek to highlight the diversity, progressiveness and dynamism present within the Russian cultural sector. The principal question is whether there is room for alternative voices in today’s Russia. We offer the public a fresh perspective on Russia, and provide a platform for a new generation of Russian cultural professionals.

Editions

Saturday 15 October Notes from the Underground
We investigate the backgrounds to alternative voices in Russia. Traditional media are under pressure but cultural and journalistic havens are growing. What exactly is the situation?

Tuesday 15 November Evening of the Russian Documentary (scroll down for English) 
On the eve of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), we examine Russia through the lens of a new generation of documentary film makers. Despite the repressive conditions in the Russian film sector, a group of makers is using the documentary film genre to depict social developments in surprising ways. Russian film experts describe the film sector in their country and show two recent documentaries.

Tuesday 22 November IDFA Russia Report
We present several documentaries from and about Russia during IDFA: the best documentaries selected by the festival that either reinforce or completely contradict each other. The screenings will be preceded by a discussion between the makers.

Wednesday 13 January Moscow Metropolis, a mirror of Putin’s power?
Moscow has changed drastically in the past decades. Once known for its drab Soviet apartment buildings, massive traffic jams and an overcrowded metro, Moscow is now portrayed as a fashionable world city where cosmopolites enjoy the nightlife, engage in healthy sports and follow the latest fads and trends. This evening focuses on Moscow’s metamorphosis. How does this modern city’s progressive character relate to the Kremlin’s conservative, sometimes repressive policies? We concentrate on the most dynamic and conspicuous aspect of the new Moscow: the cultural life.