The first day of the "Peoples of Russia and the CIS" festival concluded at the National Centre RUSSIA
The first day of the "Peoples of Russia and the CIS" International Festival concluded at the National Centre RUSSIA. The event is held under the auspices of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. The programme opened with several major cultural and educational events – from the film forum and the Russian Geographical Society’s lecture series to discussions about the country’s national symbols. The day became a true celebration of cinema, art and folk traditions, bringing together filmmakers, artists, folklorists, musicians, experts, public figures, and many others.
Balalaika – three strings of the Russian soul
During the session "Balalaika: Three Strings of the Russian Soul", experts discussed how this musical instrument became a symbol of Russian culture and spirit. Honoured Artist of Russia Dmitry Dmitrienko spoke about reformer Vasily Andreyev, who revived the balalaika in the late 19th century. Film director Olga Akatieva announced her upcoming film "Three Strings", dedicated to Andreyev’s life. She noted that it is a story about faith, hard work and love for national culture. The event also featured a performance by Gnesin School student Andrei Mayorov, who played the balalaika piece "Vanya".
Matryoshka – a symbol of the Russian soul
The discussion "Matryoshka: A Nation Within a Nation" focused on one of Russia’s most recognisable cultural symbols. TV presenter Maria Shakhova described the matryoshka as a "nation within a nation" and a reflection of the country’s multicultural nature. Producer Sofia Ernst reminded the audience that the doll appeared at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries and became a symbol of Russian mystery and spirituality. Actress Yekaterina Golovko highlighted that the matryoshka embodies ideas of family and love, while designer Nikita Lukinsky suggested reimagining its form in contemporary design – from interior objects to digital art projects.
Baikal – the gem of Siberia
The educational session "Baikal: The Pearl of Siberia" brought together scientists, travellers and artists. Maria Shakhova noted that Lake Baikal is "a living being" treated by locals with deep reverence. Hydrologist Nikolai Yasinsky reminded the audience that the lake contains 20% of the world’s freshwater reserves and is an integral part of Russian identity. Traveller and motor enthusiast Tatyana Ziganshina shared her story of a record-setting winter expedition across Baikal’s ice, while singer ANILEDA (Adelina Akhmedova) performed her song "Going to Baikal", inspired by her trip to the sacred lake.
Secrets of the folk calendar
The Russian Geographical Society’s lecture series "The Diversity of Cultures and Peoples of Russia and the CIS" drew great interest. Folklore expert Varvara Dobrovolskaya gave a lecture on the traditional folk calendar of Central Russia, explaining the concepts of "male" and "female" days, "bad" minutes and various taboos tied to specific dates. She noted that the folk calendar not only marked holidays but also regulated work and everyday routines.
Mythology of the Russian fairy tale: Baba Yaga and Leshy as teachers
In her lecture "Mythology of the Russian Fairy Tale", Tatyana Bolysova, Director of the club-museum "Masks and Figures of the World", explored the true meanings behind the figures of Baba Yaga, Leshy, and Domovoy. According to her, these so-called "dark" characters do not simply frighten – they educate, teaching respect for nature and order in the household. Bolysova reminded the audience that many familiar Russian words and expressions ("chur menya", "ladno", "svarganit") trace their origins back to ancient beliefs. The lecture was accompanied by an exposition of mythological figures and masks from the museum’s collection.
A celebration of cinema: seven films in one day
As part of the festival’s film forum, audiences saw seven films, including the war drama "Not Listed" based on Boris Vasilyev’s novella, the family adventure "The Taste of the Sun", the Russian Geographical Society’s documentaries "Baikal. The Sacred Sea of Ice" and "Russian Wedding of Zaonezhye", the historical film "The Mystery of Admiral Ushakov", the series "Chelyuskin. The First", and the drama "The Path of Wrath".
The festival "Peoples of Russia and the CIS" also hosted sessions such as "On Both Sides of the Border: Indigenous Peoples of Russia, China and Mongolia" and "Faces of Russia: Portraits of the Peoples of Russia". The events are taking place from 31 October to 5 November at the National Centre RUSSIA, the World Trade Centre and the MosKino film park. The festival brings together representatives of government, the expert community, and cultural and artistic figures. Its aim is to strengthen spiritual and cultural ties among the peoples of Russia and the CIS countries, promote traditional values and foster interethnic dialogue.
Event photobank
The 20th anniversary of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation, the "Peoples of Russia and the CIS" took place this week.
Seven film screenings at once were held at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the film forum of the "Peoples of Russia and the CIS" International Festival.
The folk calendar in Russia guided people not only through festive and rest days.
