Russia 88

28 November, 4pm

The Frontline Club is offering another chance to catch Pavel Bardin's award winning 'mockumentary' film, first premiered in London at the 2009 Russian Film Festival.  The film is a is a fascinating and disturbing look at the rise of xenophobia and nationalism in Russia. It focuses on a fictional neo-Nazi group known as ‘Russia 88’, led by the charismatic Blade, who encourage racist and ultra-rightwing attitudes. When the film opened in Russia, it generated a great deal of controversy and debate in the press and official circles, although this seems to have only added to its reputation and appeal to Russian cinema-goers.

The issue of widespread xenophobia among Russians is one which has been largely ignored in the West but one which is extremely prevalent, particularly in Moscow. Bardin sought to address this issue by creating as authentic a study as possible, and this process in itself demonstrates the reality of the situation. Most of the Nazi gear was bought from an accessible internet site, entire monologues were taken from recently published Russian neo-Nazi video clips and the soundtrack was from a CD purchased at a well-known music store.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the director.

Directed by Pavel Bardin, 2009, 104 mins.

Tickets are £10, £8 early booking, £5 concessions and can be booked here or by calling 020 7479 8940.