Film screenings connected to the Francophonie Festival faced weathering disruptions after an initial cancellation in Moscow on March 23 and 24. Officials and organizers announced new dates for the festival program, rescheduling events to take place on March 30 and 31, a decision communicated through the Telegram channel of the Khudozhestvenny cinema.
One of the festival’s highlights was the screening of the film Wobbles, a work by the Russian revolutionary figure Peter Kropotkin’s era. The film is slated to be shown on March 30 at 17:00. Later the same evening, the romantic drama Let Me Go! is scheduled for March 30 at 19:00, with an additional screening on March 31 at 17:00. The animated feature The World and the Princess of Aleppo is set to premiere on March 31 at 19:00, followed by the drama addressing issues of racism titled Breathe. These selections reflect a diverse lineup spanning historical, romantic, animated, and socially conscious storytelling.
Meanwhile, screenings for The (Not) Exes, which had been planned for March 26, remain on the calendar. The cinema will operate as usual, with refunds for any canceled sessions automatically issued to purchasers’ cards by April 5, inclusive. This policy aims to ensure patrons are treated fairly amid scheduling changes and persists through the festival’s shifting lineup.
In the broader context of the city’s cultural life, the late March news cycle included a shocking incident at Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk. On the evening of March 22, gunmen stormed the venue and opened fire, followed by explosions and a fire that interrupted performances and sparked a rapid security response. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation opened a criminal case under Article 205 of the Criminal Code, classifying the events as a terrorist attack. The aftermath saw many artists and venues postponing or canceling events in mourning and as a precautionary measure, reflecting the impact of the tragedy on Moscow’s entertainment scene and public gatherings.
In light of the Crocus City Hall incident, Dabro’s management postponed their April concerts in Nizhny Novgorod, aligning with the national mood and security considerations after the attack. Audience members were advised to monitor official channels for further updates about the rescheduled appearances and any additional changes to itineraries. The discussion around how organizers respond to such events highlighted the blend of resilience and caution that characterizes live entertainment when tragedy intersects cultural life.
Industry voices and festival organizers have since addressed questions about future performances and safety protocols. What happens to concerts after a tragedy of this scale is frequently a balance of honoring victims, ensuring public safety, and maintaining artistic programming that communities rely on for connection and solace. The festival’s leadership underscored a commitment to transparent communication, prompt refunds where necessary, and flexible scheduling to accommodate both artists and audiences during uncertain times. Patrons were encouraged to stay informed via official festival updates and cinema channels to confirm any revised times, venues, or program changes as the situation continued to unfold, with the understanding that safety remains the top priority for all parties involved.