Kotlas Connection – Contemporary Russia in Film (March 3)

The Kotlas Connection is pleased to offer a five-session adult education course in contemporary Russian cinema on Wednesday evenings in March and April. The course is offered through Mid-Maine Regional Adult Education and will take place at Waterville High School. It will be taught by Sheila McCarthy, a professor of Russian recently retired from Colby College who is a long time member of the Kotlas Connection.

During each of the first four class meetings, participants will view and discuss a recent Russian film. The dates, films, and topics are:

• March 3: The Island (2006) Topic: the legacy of World War II in today's Russia.
• March 10: Burnt by the Sun (1994) Topic: the re-evaluation of the Stalin Era.
• March 17: Brother (1997) Topic: the Mafia-like gang violence of the 1990's
• April 7: The Italian (2005) Topic: the search for a moral code in the era of rampant capitalism.

Click on the name of each film to learn more about it.

At the fifth session, on April 14, class particants will enjoy a Russian dinner and discuss the films' interpretations of contemporary Russian culture. Recent travelers to Russia will add their personal impressions of the themes of the films.

The course fee is $25. One can register online, by mailing in a registration form, or in person at the adult education office at Waterville High School. If you have questions, call that office at 873-5754.