Event digest: weekly highlights at the National Centre RUSSIA

The three-day international Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth," the multi-genre performance "Diaghilev Forever," a concert by the popular band MOHITO, and other events of the week — in our digest.

April 28. Guests of the international Open Dialogue attended the multi-genre performance "Diaghilev Forever"

The National Centre RUSSIA hosted the multi-genre performance "Diaghilev Forever," dedicated to the life and work of the renowned Russian impresario. The performance took place as part of the international Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth."

"This project by the National Centre RUSSIA is essential so that our generation remembers, and the younger one learns that historical legacy exists, that there are cultural codes and high art — and that it must always be held above all else, for it educates and enriches us. In doing so, we pave the way for all that is good and kind, preserving our cultural legacy," noted People's Artist of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Merited Artist of the Russian Federation, soloist of the Mariinsky Theatre, and cultural advisor to the Head of the Republic of Bashkortostan Askar Abdrazakov.

Guests of the performance saw excerpts from the most iconic and vivid ballet and opera pieces that had, over the years, been part of Sergei Diaghilev’s productions. Through interactions between the main character and others — based on historical records and memoirs — the audience discovered the mysteries of the impresario's personality.

A distinctive feature of the performance was the use of multimedia scenery, which created a fully immersive atmosphere for the dramatic narrative presented by stars of theatre, opera, and ballet on the same stage.

April 30. Final session of the Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth" was held

The three-day international Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth" concluded at the National Centre RUSSIA with a large-scale session where participants summed up the results and shared their impressions of the event. Guests emphasized the importance of scaling the project and holding the Open Dialogue on a regular basis, noted Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation, Maxim Oreshkin.

"The first and perhaps most important thing is that regardless of people's views, beliefs, or ideas, everyone has the opportunity to be heard. This became the key aspect of the Open Dialogue. Because often the ideas that initially seem controversial or premature turn out, over time, to be the ideas of the future. The second principle is the principle of honesty. Those who take part in this event must be ready to be open. Today, at this final conference, we see the projects and ideas that have gone through selection, received development, and proved their value," said Maxim Oreshkin.

At the request of essayists and experts, the organizing committee has decided to hold the Open Dialogue annually. Next year, it is expected to become even more extensive, with additional practical days and new opportunities for participants to communicate and explore the materials from each pitch session.

More than 100 guests from 48 countries, representing every continent on Earth, took part in the international Open Dialogue at the National Centre RUSSIA. Among them were the authors of essays about the future of the world, selected by the expert council of the Open Dialogue from 700 submissions. The essays were written in 18 languages, including Pashto, Malagasy, Serbian, Greek, and others.

The essay topic that attracted the most interest during the competition was "Investments in Human Capital" (41%), followed by "Investments in Connectivity" (24%), "Investments in Technology" (22%), and "Investments in the Environment" (13%). 

 May 1. Results announced for the "Dreams of the Future" contest by the National Centre RUSSIA

The National Centre RUSSIA has completed the submission phase for the All-Russian video essay contest "Dreams of the Future." The contest brought together nearly 4,000 participants from all regions of the country. A total of 792 applications were submitted by teams, each consisting of five people.

The main goal of the project is to spark the younger generation’s interest in the works of science fiction writers. The competition continues the effort to revive public interest in future planning, which began at The International Symposium "Inventing the Future."

To take part in the competition, participants were required to create a video essay starting with the words: "We want to create a future where..." and to include a reference to works of Soviet and Russian science fiction from a recommended list.

All finalists will be invited to Moscow on 1 June. The winners will be announced on International Children's Day during an official ceremony at the National Centre RUSSIA. They will receive valuable prizes — laptops, headphones, and smartphones.

As part of the contest, the National Centre RUSSIA organized a series of practical workshops where registered participants could go through the entire process of creating a video — from concept development to final editing.

Starting from 1 May, these workshops are available to everyone in a special section on the website dream.russia.ru.

Screenings of new Russian TV series dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory have begun

The programme "Stories of War Come to Life: New Russian TV Series for the 80th Anniversary of Victory," prepared by the Internet Development Institute (ANO "IRI"), opened at the National Centre RUSSIA with a screening of the series "Taganrog." A series of free screenings of war-themed historical and documentary projects will be held at the National Centre RUSSIA during the May holidays.

The war drama "Taganrog" tells the story of Soviet boys and girls who fought against the Nazi invaders in occupied Taganrog. The plot is based on the events of October 1941.

The screening was attended by the film crew. The creators of the series spoke about the production process and interacted with the audience. The cast includes Denis Donskoy, Kirill Baloban, Alexei Krasnotsvetov, Danila Yakushev, Yuri Baturin, Darya Kukarskikh, Sergei Zharkov, and others.

As part of the programme, viewers will also see screenings of the projects "Then That's the Road We Must Take," "On the Trail of the Beast," and "Victory". All details are available at russia.ru in the "Events" section.

A music celebration took place in honour of Spring and Labour Day featuring the pop group MOHITO

The event was held as part of the original project "In the Rhythm of Russia" at the Gastronomic Rows of the National Centre RUSSIA. Guests enjoyed musical hits by the group MOHITO, including "Hands Off," "That’s How Life Goes," and "Happiness in the Simple Things," which topped streaming charts. Visitors also experienced a DJ set and explored the "Journey Across Russia. Food" area, which presented dishes from various regional cuisines.

"First and foremost, projects like 'In the Rhythm of Russia' are essential for enabling different nationalities and peoples to get to know each other and each other’s traditions," said MOHITO member Diana Obolashvili.

More information about the original project "In the Rhythm of Russia" by the National Centre RUSSIA is available in the "Events" section on the website.

May 2. Launch of the podcast series "Tell Me About Victory"

To mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the National Centre RUSSIA presents a new project — the podcast series "Tell Me About Victory," dedicated to the heroes whose feats will forever remain in the memory of generations.

The main characters of the podcast are our grandfathers and great-grandfathers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers who went to the front, defended the homeland, worked on the home front, saved the wounded, and brought Victory closer. These are personal stories of courage, selflessness, and faith in the future they secured for us.

Children and grandchildren of military commanders and Heroes of the Soviet Union share family memories, tell about the feats of their relatives, their military service, front-line letters, medals, and life after the war. These stories are the voice of living memory — a sincere and deeply human view of the Great Victory.

The podcast series is released daily from 2 to 11 May.