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Questions?
202-885-6381
fedyashi@american.edu
Battelle-Tompkins, Room 127
Anton Fedyashin
Executive Director,
Initiative for Russian Culture
IRC Spring 2013
Students enjoy Russian tea and pastries after the symposium.
Symposium: The Pageant of the Tsars
March 2, 2013
Symposium to complement the Hillwood Museum's exhibit "The Pageant of the Tsars: The Coronation Albums of the Romanovs." The exhibit marked the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Romanov dynasty in 1613 through the lens of Hillwood's collection of five coronation albums. The distinguished panelists were Kristen Regina of Hillwood, the exhibit curator; IRC Founding Director Eric Lohr and IRC Executive Director Anton Fedyashin, both of American University; Fiona Hill of The Brookings Institution, Russell Martin of Westminster College and Edward Kasinec of the Harriman Institute at Columbia University.
IRC Fall 2012
Photo Galleries
Tolstoy Bust Dedication
November 15, 2012
The IRC celebrated the donation of a bust of Leo Tolstoy by artist Gregory Pototsky. In addition to presenting the bust of Tolstoy, Mr. Pototsky hosted a master class in the Katzen Arts Center after the ceremony.
War & Peace
November 10, 2012
Bondarchuk's adaptation of Tolstoy's novel was the most expensive production ever made in the Soviet Union. The film was wildly successful, winning the Grand Prix in the Moscow International Film Festival, the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Messenger Boy
October 4, 2012
The Messenger Boy paints a vivid picture of the Soviet youth at the end of the era of stagnation. After failing entrance exams for college, Ivan becomes a courier, which leads him to Katya, whose father disapproves of their relationship. Ivan's rebelliousness soon creates problems and leads to a surprising denouement.
IRC Summer 2012
Photo Galleries
Walking Dostoyevsky's Russia
July 2012
IRC Executive Director Anton Fedyashin took undergraduate and graduate students to Russia in order to walk the streets that Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his characters did. Ten students from around the DC Consortium took part in the course.
IRC Events Spring 2012 Photo Galleries
Symposium: Overcoming Cold War Stereotypes
April 28, 2012
Former and current American and Russian ambassadors, diplomats, and regional specialists explored Cold War stereotypes and ways to overcome them. Participants from both Russian and the United States presented and answered DC Consortium students' questions.
Screening: Stilyagi
March 22, 2012
A Komsomol youth breaks up a swing party, only to fall in love with one of the girls. An audience favorite around the world, Todorovsky's 2008 film glorifies self-expression and tolerance.
Screening: Jolly Fellows
January 26, 2012
Mistaken identity, unrequited love, and the trials and tribulations of creating a successful jazz band. Alexandrov's 1934 musical comedy had it all and made Lyubov Orlova a superstar in the Soviet Union.
IRC Events Fall 2011
Photo Galleries
Screening: My Name is Ivan
October 27, 2011
Tarkovsky’s My Name is Ivan tells the story of twelve-year-old Ivan Bondarev, who is determined to aid the Soviet Army after losing his family. Although the soldiers want to send Ivan away to school (and safety), they relent when Ivan makes it clear he is determined to stay.
See Gallery
Screening: The Cranes Are Flying
October 6, 2011
Winner of the Palme d’Or at the 1958 Cannes Film Festival and directed by Mikhail Kalatozov, The Cranes Are Flying depicts the turbulence and uncertainty that World War II inflicted on Soviet citizens. The film introduced the young actors Alexei Batalov and Tatiana Samoylova.
Inaugural Library of Congress Event
September 30, 2011
The Library of Congress event featured Russia’s top jazz pianist Igor Bril, Russian cinematic hit We Are Jazzmen, cocktails, dessert, and a 20,000 pound ice sculpture of a Russian Orthodox church.
Film Screening: White Tiger
January 31, 2013
Karen Shakhnazarov's first war film White Tiger, was inspired by Herman Melville's Moby Dick and was Russia's contender in the best foreign-language movie Oscar for 2012. After Red Army Sergeant Ivan Naydenov barely survives a brutal battle with a mysterious Panzer tank, he becomes obsessed with destroying it at any cost.
James W. Symington 2012 Award
November 12, 2012
The IRC celebrated the first annual James W. Symington Award for the Study of Russian Language, Culture, and International Relations. The first recipient, Jaim Coddington, accepted at a dinner held by the ARCCF at the Russian Embassy.
The Role of the Arts in International Relations
October 25, 2012
Maestro Gergiev and Ambassador Beyrle discussed the important role of the arts in international relations. Held at the Library of Congress, the event featured performances by Mariinsky artists.
Summer Language Stipends
Summer 2012
The IRC provided funding for four students to travel to Russia in order to improve their language skills and immerse themselves in Russian society and culture.
Lehrman Chair and Stites Library Reception
April 28, 2012
The IRC marked the end of its spectacularly successful first year by celebrating the establishment of the Susan E. Lehrman Chair of Russian History and Culture and the Richard Stites Library Bequest.
SCREENING: Vanished Empire
April 27, 2012
Awash in rock and roll, Shakhnazarov's film depicts the clash between the bonds of friendship and the power of love amid the collapse of empires.
SCREENING: Alexander Nevsky
March 1, 2012
Sergei Eisenstein's brilliant 1938 film (and winner of the 1941 Stalin Prize), which vividly depicts Russia's most popular historical figure.
SCREENING: Destiny of a Man
December 1, 2011
A Soviet Army driver finds himself in a German prison camp. After a daring escape, he makes his way back home, where he discovers his home and his loved ones have perished. He then attempts to rebuild and find meaning in his life.
Screening: Ballad of a Soldier
October 20, 2011
Recipient of the prestigious Lenin Prize and the BAFTA Award for Best Film from Any Source, Ballad of a Soldier tells the story of nineteen-year-old Alyosha, on leave for a few days as reward for single-handedly destroying two German tanks in World War II.