A fresh look at the iconoclastic Russian poet

Join Russian film director Alexander Shein and guests from London’s Russian Film Week for a look at the world which the famous Soviet poet grappled with - and the world he left behind.

Part documentary, part art film and part drama, this intriguing Russian movie explores poet Vladimir Mayakovsky’s character as well as his poetry, with special attention paid to the women who influenced his life. In the film, actors rehearsing a play about the poet gradually take on the character of the people they are playing; scenes are spliced with footage of contemporary protests in Russia. The film stars Yuri Kolokolnikov, Chulpan Khamatova and Evgenii Mironov.

Alumni joined at EBRD headquarters for the screening, followed by a discussion/Q&A session afterwards with the film director. Lively conversation continued at a drinks reception for all.

This event was organised by the EBRD Cultural Programme and the Russian Film Week Festival.