The EU Days in Petrozavodsk (May 21-23)

On May 21-23 “The EU Days” were arranged in the Barents EU Centre ofPetrozavodskStateUniversity. This event was conducted within the frameworks of the project “Establishing the EU Centre in the Barents Region of Russia”, implemented under the financial support of the European Union.

This time it was devoted to the culture of EU member states. Each day was related to a definite topic. 

May 21 – “The Day of Cinema”. The participants had the opportunity to watch movies of various genres produced by different EU member states.

The name of the first art house film was “Pina” (France,Germany, theGreat Britain). The most essential Pina Bausch’s performances in the Dance theatre (Tanztheater) is presented in the movie. There is also an interview with the dancers and their solo out of the theatre (in the streets of the city, against nature background, in the derelict building) in the film.     

The second movie was the classical melodrama “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” (France,Germany). Young Geneviève works in a family haberdashery – sells umbrellas. She is in love with auto mechanic Guy and he reciprocates her feeling. But soon Guy is drafted into the army and sent toAlgeria. But the lovers promise to wait for each other. Then due to some life circumstances Geneviève agrees to marry the rich and respectable man.            

The third movie was about the legendary historical person. This is “King Arthur” (the Great Britain, Ireland). Britain, the 5^th century, under the attacks of barbarians decliningRoman Empire lives its last years. It seems that nobody and nothing is able to save Foggy Albion from the attacking horde of Saxons from over the sea. But there is a great warrior and it is written in the stars that he will prove the contrary and that he will set his name and the names of his faithful knights in stone. This is the film about a person who had become the legend and a symbol of bravery, about a person who had become a king!                   

After demonstration of movies there was a quiz related to the knowledge of European cinema. The questions were devoted to the actors, directors, movies and film festivals of EU member states. Memorable prize was awarded to the winner.  

The second day, May 22, was devoted to “The Language Day”. It was consisted of two big events: “SchoolofEuropean Languages” and the student conference “European Language which I’m Studying”.

The duration of lessons of the School amounted to 45 minutes. There were 6 lessons in accordance with represented European languages: Finnish, French, German, Polish, Swedish, and English. The participants could master basics of languages, welcome vocabulary and learn how to introduce yourself and they also were acquainted with the translation of some food products.     

4 students participated in the conference: Maria Konovalova “The Melodies of Swedish. Language and Music”, Ksenia Terletskaya “Peculiarities of Foreign Language Acquisition”, Olga Tyapchenko “The Sunny Language of Amazing Country (Italian)” and Anton Cherkasov “Polish and Russian. The Peculiarities of the Polish Language”. The reports had an academic and personal approach. Maria Konovalova and Anton Cherkasov told about peculiarities of the target language. Ksenia Terletskaya and Olga Tyapchenko told about their experience. The participants revealed why they had begun to study language, the problems they had faced and which of the methods were the most successful. The first place was awarded to O. Tyapchenko, the second place - K.Terletskaya, and the third – M. Konovalova and A. Cherkasov. Diplomas and memorable prizes were awarded to all participants.             

May 23 was “The Day of Music”. The first part of the day was devoted to the acquaintance with European classical music. An analytical report was represented to participants and they also could enjoy the music of such great composers as Haydn, Bach, Mozart, etc. Besides, modern interpretation of classical music was introduced to them.        

Then the quiz related to the knowledge of modern European music was arranged. The participants answered the questions about contemporary musicians and after each question they watched music video. The winner was awarded the memorable prize.         

All participants received invitations to the event in the club-restaurant “Begemot” which completed “The EU Days”. Special guests represented by the Finnish folk-rock band “Trollfolk” gave a concert which impressed everybody.    

All in all “The EU Days” have been successful. It was diversified and multisided event. The participants expressed their positive opinions of all three days.