The furore in Russia over seeing pirated versions of Barbie, despite sanctions and Moscow’s ban

Officially, Barbie it’s not showing Russia.

But, unofficially…

I’m in a shopping center in Moscow. A gigantic pink house was erected next to the food court. Inside: pink furniture, pink popcorn and life-size cardboard cutouts of Barbie and Ken grinning from ear to ear.

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No wonder they smile: the Barbie movie is attracting crowds to the opposite Multiplex, despite Western sanctions.

Following Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, several Hollywood studios stopped releasing their films in Russia.

However, they have leaked unauthorized copies dubbed into Russian.

In cinema, everything is a little secret. When I ask someone what movie they are going to see, they say an obscure 15-minute Russian film and laugh.

To avoid licensing problems, some cinemas in Russia have been selling tickets to see Russian short films and showing the Barbie film as a trailer.

The Russian Ministry of Culture is not very pleased. Last month, he concluded that the film “was not in line with the objectives and goals established by our president to preserve and strengthen traditional Russian moral and spiritual values”.

It’s clear that the viewers I spoke to are delighted that Barbie has made it to the big screen.

“People should have the right to choose what you want to see”, says Karina. “I think it’s good that Russian cinemas can show us these films.”

“It’s about being open-minded about other people’s cultures,” says Ayona. “Even if you don’t agree with other people’s standards, it’s great to be able to realize that.”

Neither the doll nor the film

However, parliamentarian Maria Butina believes that there is nothing great about Barbie, the doll or the film.

“I have issues with Barbie as a female form,” she tells me. “Some girls – especially in their teens – try to be like Barbie, and it takes a toll on their bodies.”

Butia believes the film undermines Russian values.

Butina adds that the film is not licensed to be shown in Russian cinemas. “Don’t break the law. Is this an issue for our cinemas? Absolutely. I have already sent several requests to cinemas asking how they are showing the film,” he says.

“You talk about the importance of obeying the law,” I say, “but Russia invaded Ukraine. The United Nations says this is a complete violation of international law.”

“Russia is saving Ukraine,” he tells me, “and saving Donbass.”

This is often heard in the voice of those in power in Russia.

They paint Moscow as a peacemaker, not a warmonger. They argue that it is the United States, NATO and the West that are using Ukraine to wage war with Russia.

It’s an alternate reality meant to unite Russians behind the flag.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has been ongoing for two years. GET IMAGES).

Against the West

Amid an escalating confrontation with Europe and the US, Russian authorities appear determined to turn the Russians against the West.

From morning to night, Russian state television tells viewers that Western leaders are determined to destroy Russia.

The new modern history textbook for Russian secondary school students (compulsory in schools) says that the West’s aim is to “disintegrate Russia and take control of its natural resources”.

The text states that “in the 1990s, instead of our traditional cultural values ​​– such as kindness, justice, collectivism, charity and personal sacrifice – a feeling of individualism, along with the idea that people have no responsibility to society ”.

The book encourages 11th graders to “multiply the country’s glory and strength.” In other words, your homeland (not Barbie’s) needs you.

However, in Moscow cinema I found many people still open to experiencing Western culture and ideas.

Outside Moscow

But what is the situation outside the capital?

I drove Shchekino, a city about 225 km from Moscow. There is a concert at a local cultural center. On stage, four Russian soldiers dressed in military uniform play electric guitars and sing loudly about Russian patriotism and invincibility.

Authorities are organizing patriotic concerts in an attempt to bolster support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

One of the songs is about the Russian war in Ukraine. “We will serve the country and crush the enemy,” they sing.

The audience (the room is almost full) is a mix of young and old, including schoolchildren, military cadets and retirees. Some wave Russian flags given to them as they enter.

As a group of paratroopers sing their patriotic repertoire, a film is projected on the screen behind them. Neither Barbie nor Ken are there. There are images of Russian tanks, soldiers marching and shooting and at one point, President Vladimir Putin is seen in the Kremlin.

The patriotic utensils are effective. O Barbie fever did not take over the streets of Shchekino.

“Right now it’s important to make patriotic Russian films to boost morale,” Andrei tells me. “And we need to eliminate Western habits from our lives. How can we do that. Through cinema. Cinema can influence the masses.”

“In Western films there is a lot of talk about sexual orientation. We don’t support that here,” says Ekaterina. “Russian cinema talks about family values, love and friendship.”

But Diana resists dividing cinema into Russian and foreign films.

“Art is for everyone. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from,” he tells me. “And we shouldn’t restrict ourselves. To be more cultured, sociable and interesting people, we need to watch films and read books from other countries too.”

Source: Elcomercio