by Last weekend, 27 September 2025, the Wellington Russian Club hosted a public screening of The Challenge (2023), a landmark Russian feature film and the first in the world to be partially filmed aboard the International Space Station by professional cinematographers.
Presented in Russian with English subtitles, the event attracted a diverse audience and fostered intercultural engagement. The film’s unique production context — combining narrative drama with real footage from space — sparked lively discussion and deep interest among attendees.
Following the screening, guests participated in a communal potluck, contributing homemade dishes and beverages. This informal reception provided a welcoming space for dialogue, reflection, and community connection. The atmosphere was warm and inclusive, with positive feedback received from both adult and younger viewers.
The event successfully combined cultural enrichment with social interaction, aligning with the Club’s mission to promote Russian language, heritage, and contemporary achievements within New Zealand’s multicultural landscape.
