Films about the Russian Arctic will be screened at International Arctic Forum

In Murmansk, The North Pole and The Widows’ Village will be screened as part of the cultural programme of the 6th International Arctic Forum ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ (26–27 March 2025). These films talk about the inextricable link between the past and the present, about the heroism of Russian people imprinted in stories of unity, resilience and love for the Motherland. The Forum will be held under the motto ‘To Live in the North’ and will become a unique platform for discussing important issues of life and development of the Arctic region of Russia.

“Through film and other forms of cultural expression, the Forum’s programme helps to draw the attention of a wide audience to the Russian Arctic, its history, and an understanding of its role in the country’s development. The screening of such films is of exceptional importance – it creates a comprehensive understanding of the specifics of the region and its inhabitants and allows us to learn about the heroism and dedication of people who have devoted their lives to the Arctic at different times in Russia’s history. In combination, it has an important role in fostering pride in one’s homeland and patriotism in the hearts of citizens, and promotes interest in exploring the region,” noted Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation, Executive Secretary of the International Arctic Forum Organizing Committee.

The North Pole produced by Russian North is based on the real events of the 1960s, when the first Soviet nuclear submarine K-3 Leninsky Komsomol passed under the pack ice of the Arctic Ocean and surfaced in close proximity to the North Pole for the first time in the history of the Russian Navy. Events unfold against the backdrop of the confrontation between the two superpowers during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Starring Andrei Merzlikin, Yevgeny Mironov, Olga Lomonosova and Elena Sever.

“The history of Arctic exploration and the conquest of the North Pole is absolutely comparable to the history of space exploration in its significance and even surpasses it in terms of saturation of important events. It is not just a story of courage and breakthrough technologies of Soviet scientists, it is a story of people who were ready to sacrifice themselves for the sake of an idea. Our film is a reminder that heroism is born not in orders, but in the heart. The Arctic was and is of great geopolitical importance for the country, for its defence capability, for its influence in the world. And we are glad that in The North Pole we managed to reflect the multifaceted nature of the Arctic theme,” said Elena Sever, general producer and actress.

As the film director Alexander Kott noted, “This film is not only about the heroic past, but also about the present. It is important to remember that the world is held in a fragile balance. And sometimes one decision can change history.”

In turn, the documentary short The Widows’ Village produced by Interstate TV and MIR Broadcasting Company, timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, talks about the heroism of the inhabitants of the polar village of Varzuga, founded in 1466, all the men of which went to fight in the war 1941–1945. In memory of them, the only grassroot monument in Russia was erected in Varzuga, where on the photos next to the men are portraits of their widows, 29 of whom remained in the village after the war.

“I was told that none of the war widows in Varzuga ever married again. This northern village struck me with an amazing reverence for family and devotion to it. Everyone there remembers the names and knows the fates of their relatives for several generations. The monument and the film credits have the same surnames. Moshnikovs and Vopiyashins, Popovs and Zaborshchikovs have been living in Varzuga for almost five centuries. They are in no hurry to go anywhere. They address each other by first name and patronymic. Our film is about the inner strength of these people,” shared screenwriter and producer of the film Olga Martisova.

Russian cinema presents two very different but equally poignant stories of human resilience in The North Pole and The Widows’ Village. While The North Pole celebrates the heroic feat of submariners conquering the Arctic elements and pushing the boundaries of knowledge, The Widows’ Village shows the depth of people’s soul, resilience, the ability to preserve humanity and traditions in the most difficult conditions, which is an important part of Russian culture. Together, these films create a multifaceted portrait of Russia and emphasize the importance of preserving history in shaping the country’s future.

Film screenings will be held on 27 March at 18:00 (The Widows’ Village), 19:00 (The North Pole) and 29 March at 19:30 (The North Pole) in the Sopki21 Centre for Contemporary Art at Murmansk State Universal Scientific Library.

The 6th International Arctic Forum ‘Arctic: Territory of Dialogue’ is a key platform for discussing topical issues of socio-economic development of the Arctic territories, elaboration of multilateral mechanisms for joint disclosure and effective development of the powerful resource potential of the Arctic region.

More information is available on the Forum website: forumarctica.ru.