by As part of the Victory Day commemorations, the Wellington Russian Club, with the support of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in New Zealand, hosted a screening of “Left Of The Lists” — a new film adaptation of Boris Vasilyev’s novella.
The film takes viewers into the first hours of the Great Patriotic War and follows Lieutenant Nikolai Pluzhnikov, who arrives in Brest on 21 June 1941. Before he has time to assume his post or even be added to the personnel lists, he witnesses a sudden artillery strike and joins the defence that will shape the rest of his life. The film combines historical accuracy, psychological depth, and a respectful portrayal of the defenders of the Brest Fortress.
The screening brought together members of the Russian community, New Zealanders, and staff of the Russian Embassy. Among the guests were those familiar with Vasilyev’s story and those discovering it for the first time. After the film, a friendly reception took place, where attendees exchanged impressions, discussed key scenes, and shared personal family memories related to wartime history.
The event formed part of the Wellington Russian Club’s cultural programme and was aimed at both Russian-speaking residents and New Zealanders interested in Russian culture. It offered an opportunity to engage with Russian literature and cinema and to spend an evening in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
