On The Road Again

On the road again…On December 2nd, 2024, we left Crimea to attend the Arctic Open International Film Festival in Archangel. Archangel, is a city in Russia’s Arctic Region, 1092 Km from Moscow.

We arrived in Archangel around 11 pm. Our hotel was located on the riverfront where we watched the arrival of a local ferry.

The next morning we found the streets and automobiles covered with snow and everything was slippery..it remained that way for the entire week we were there. Temperatures ranged from -8 to -1 C.

We were met at breakfast the following morning by festival staff who provided badges, programs, and schedules.

At noon, a special screening of my film, The Ghosts of Jeju, was presented to a group of political science and history students from the Archangel Russian Federal University. After the usual Q&A and signing of a Jeju banner, we remained for another hour in spirited conversation.

I was then hustled off to a television interview answering all of the usual questions about why I live in Russia, what do I do here, do I like it, and will things change under Trump?

And then in the evening the grand opening of the festival took place in a large theater that was packed with hundreds of locals.

I was there as a member of the jury for documentary films. That’s me on the left with other jurists being introduced. Both the opening and closing ceremonies included amazing audio-video effects along with professional entertainment.

Under Tsar Ivan IV in 1553, English sailors reached the White Sea and established a trading partnership with Russia. This opened the way for active trade exchange between Russia and Western Europe via Archangel.

In 1693, as part of Peter the Great's reforms and with the aim of strengthening the Russian navy, the Admiralty was founded in Archangel. This became a key moment for the development of shipbuilding in the city.

There were wonderful meals and parties at local establishments every night where we had the opportunity to taste local cuisine, with wine, champagne, desserts, and traditional entertainment.

Our job as jurists required watching 21 documentaries over several days. It’s hard work being a jurist, but the perks and experience are well worth it, not to mention having all expenses paid.

At the closing ceremony, entertainment featured a popular Russian actor, singer, and comedian.

Winners received their awards and trophies, and everyone, filmmakers, and jurists were called up on stage for a group photo.