Russians defy sanctions to watch Barbie movie, forming long queues

The Barbie movie is not officially showing in Russia, but unofficially, it is making its way into the country. In a Moscow shopping center, a large pink house has been set up with pink furniture, pink popcorn, and life-size cardboard cut-outs of Barbie and Ken. Despite Western sanctions and the halt in movie releases in Russia by Hollywood studios, unauthorized copies of the Barbie movie are being dubbed into Russian and making their way into cinemas. Some cinemas have even been selling tickets to Russian-made shorts while showing the Barbie film as a preview to avoid licensing issues. However, Russia's culture ministry is not pleased with the movie and believes it goes against the country's traditional moral and spiritual values. Despite this, many cinemagoers in Russia are excited that Barbie has hit the big screen and believe in the right to choose what they want to watch. On the other hand, Russian MP Maria Butina has issues with Barbie as a female role model and claims that the film has not been licensed to appear in Russian cinemas. Amidst the growing confrontation between Russia and the West, the Russian authorities are trying to turn Russians against the West, portraying Western leaders as out to destroy Russia. State TV in Russia constantly spreads this message while a new history textbook promotes the idea that the West aims to dismember Russia and remove its traditional cultural values. It encourages Russian students to preserve and strengthen the Motherland. In Shchekino, a town 140 miles from Moscow, patriotism is showcased through a concert at the local culture center. Russian soldiers perform patriotic songs about Russian invincibility and their involvement in the war in Ukraine. The audience consists of various age groups including school children, military cadets, and senior citizens who enthusiastically wave Russian tricolours. The concert features images of Russian tanks, soldiers, and President Vladimir Putin. The residents of Shchekino believe that patriotic Russian films can boost morale and they want to eliminate Western influences from their lives. However, some people, like Diana, advocate for a more inclusive approach, believing that art should be enjoyed from all nations to become a cultured and open-minded person.