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2ND RUSSIAN FILM FESTIVAL IN LONDON: 18-28 SEPTEMBER 2008. 10 award-winning films produced in 2007-2008 will be premiered in London, giving the capital an opportunity to see and judge the very best of new Russian cinema. The programme promises a variety of styles, genres and themes, presenting the multifaceted nature of Russian culture today. What's more, audiences will have the chance to meet and share their thoughts with some of the most prominent figures of contemporary Russian cinema and culture during numerous special events: talks, panel discussions and master classes. The Official Programme of the RFF 2008 will be announced on 20 August.
UNEARTHING THE ARTY UNDERGROUND OF ST. PETERSBURG. Jeremy Head discovers a different St. Petersburg – bohemic and artistic, hidden and undiscovered and still casting its magic spells on every visitor. A fascinating article about unusual Northern capital is published in July’s 08 Wanderlust issue and gives a good insight in the city’s cultural underground. We are very proud to say that Go Russia was the organiser of Jeremy’s wanders through St. Petersburg. Download the Wonderlust’s article from our website.
ALTAIKAI - THROAT SINGERS OF THE SACRED ALTAI JUST COMPLETED ITS FIRST UK TOUR. Nestling at the junction of Siberia, Mongolia and Kazakhstan, the little-known Republic of Altai is believed to be the mythical land of Shambala, known as 'the navel of the universe'. Its snow-capped mountains, dense forests, deep river valleys and high steppes are home to wild bears, lynxes and snow leopards - and the mysterious but mighty throat-singing of AltaiKAI. Formed in 1997 and with half a dozen records under their belt, the group is dedicated to preserving the ancient traditions of the Altai people, under threat from development and migration. For more information click here
MODERN RUSSIAN JAZZ PLAYER IN LONDON. Extraordinary St Petersburg based pianist and composer Andrei Kondakov, one of the outstanding figures of Russian jazz scene who masterfully possesses almost all styles of Jazz music. “I enjoyed it tremendously. It was well played. I am happy I was able to hear it”, says Martial Solal. WHERE AND WHEN: 6 & 7 August, Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho, 10 Dean Street, Soho W1D 3 RW. With Chris McNulty (vocal) with Paul Bollenback (guitar).
SUMMER is traditionally a holiday season, and August in particular. We think this is the best time to catch up with some reading. Here are some of the books dedicated to Russia which we think you may find interesting:
ST PETERSBURG AND THE BRITISH. Published by Frances Lincoln Ltd. £25, but 20% Discount for Go Russia Customers + £50 Go Russia voucher if you purchase this book (terms and conditions apply). Anthony Cross narrates the story of this vibrant and tragic city through the first-hand accounts of its British residents and visitors. A unique anthology of St Petersburg’s culture, politics, architecture, commerce, recreation and everyday life, this book includes extracts by, for instance, Daniel Defoe, Lewis Carroll, W. Somerset Maughan, H.G. Wells, Isaiah Berlin, J.B. Priestley, Alan Sillitoe and Colin Thubron. For more information please click here
GADFLY IN RUSSIA. With 1,300 roubles in his pocket, advanced by two Russian magazine publishers for extracts of his successful early books, Alan Sillitoe set off in 1967 to drive 5,000 miles around Russia in his blue Peugeot estate. Written three decades after the trip, Sillitoe's dry travelogue is as pleasingly old-fashioned as the Soviet world he clearly relishes. To read more
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