Love Triumphs - 80th Victory Day Celebrated
By Anisha Pemjee – TDS
9 May 2025
The Russian Embassy in South Africa hosted a movie marathon in the lead up to Victory Day screening films about World War 2. On May 7 this marathon culminated in the screening of the movie ‘Five Brides’ and a reception, bringing together diplomats, government officials and friends of Russia to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.
In his welcoming remarks Ambassador Roman Ambarov of the Russian Federation said that for Russia and for the former Soviet Republics, Victory Day is not simply a date on the calendar, it is a day of remembrance and a day of national pride. “The sorrow of that war remains imprinted in our genetic code,” said Ambarov.
He went on to say that 80 years ago the world witnessed the end of the conflict that scarred continents, took millions of lives and forever changed the course of history. “The war was fought in the streets, in the skies, and in the hearts of our people. This victory came at a tremendous cost.” In this war against Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union lost nearly 27 million soldiers and civilians.
Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, ANC Treasurer General, in her remarks, emphasised the importance of reflecting on shared victories and ongoing responsibilities for peace, justice and multipolar cooperation.
While the previous films in the marathon told of the horrors of the war, ‘Five Brides’ sought to show a lighter side, a story of love, of friendship, of resilience and of triumph. This 2011 film, directed by Karen Oganesyan, revolves around the adventures of a young pilot, Alexei Kaverin, who is tasked to find brides for his four young friends who remained stationed in Germany, while he is assigned on a mission to Smolensk. In a country where love and young men are in short supply, Kaverin successfully completes his mission amidst comedic misunderstandings, new friendships, and in the process, finds love himself.
‘Five Brides’ is a triumph in love, but it also highlights the futility of war and its devastating impact on ordinary lives.
The evening included musical performances by the talented Mamelodi Music Conservatoire who gave a beautiful rendition of ‘Blue Scarf’ and singers from the Russian Embassy sang ‘Victory Day’. Guests were introduced to the journeys of young soldiers of the Soviet Republic in the form of a photo exhibition, with a special tribute to the Women who participated in the Great Patriotic War.
(photos credit: TDS, Embassy of Russia, X, Facebook)