Hey! Teachers! Film screening and Q&A with the director
Saturday 12. July at 19:30 - 21:00
Liberty Books Lisbon, Lisboa
Katya and Vasya, two idealistic young teachers, gain their first practical experience in a Russian town. Katya’s job is to teach teenagers Russian literature but even her hairdresser feels sorry for her. Vasya’s subject is geography. Much as he loves traveling and exotic countries, the Russian provinces are still foreign to him.
Yulia Vishnevets shows everyday life in Russia as we rarely see it. In a lively, observational style, she follows Katya and Vasya for a year as they attempt to stimulate and teach the young people. But they meet a lack of understanding from both the school and the parents. "Why gain their trust? You’re the teacher!" a colleague comments. And do these teenagers actually have the slightest interest in learning about feminism, Russian politics, or debating?
Like teenagers everywhere, the students are recalcitrant and disruptive, but Katya and Vasya also encounter nationalism, sexism, and homophobia. It’s a hard learning experience, despite occasional dancing interludes and unexpected, touching moments.
The film will be presented by Yulia Vishnevets – documentary filmmaker and journalist for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
The film has been featured at numerous festivals and was awarded the "Laurel Branch", the highest prize of the international documentary film festival Artdocfest.
Free admission. Donations are welcome and can be made during registration.
Liberty Books Lisbon • Rua da Esperança 21, 1200-267 Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
