Russia Invites North Korean Movies Following North Korean Military's Victory Day Event

Russia is getting closer to North Korea this year as a link to the 80th anniversary of its World War II victory.

After inviting North Korean troops to the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day military parade at Moscow's Red Square on May 9, they decided to introduce North Korean films for the first time at the Victory Day Film Festival.

Maxim Kuznetsov, executive producer of Victory Day at the 4th International Film Festival, said, "We are planning to screen North Korean films at the festival," according to Tas news agency.

He said he will present North Korean films for the first time during the festival, adding that "movie lovers will be interested in getting to know North Korean films."

There is no information yet on which North Korean movies will be screened.

Tas News Agency said applications for entries will be accepted until the 31st.

The annual festival, which has been held since 2022 with support from the Russian Presidential Culture Fund, will be held from April 13 to 18 this year in the city of Moscow and other cities in the state of Moscow.

The festival aims to announce the Soviet Union's World War II victory and to promote the creative achievements of Russian and overseas filmmakers.

Russia is preparing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day, which will mark the third year of Ukraine's "special military operation."

During the Victory Day, we plan to invite a large number of foreign leaders, including those from Europe, including Serbia, Slovakia, and Vietnam, and have foreign military units march on the military parade, an event that shows off their military power.

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Bellowsov visited North Korea in November last year and told North Korean leader Kim Jong-un that he would invite North Korean troops to the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day military parade.

Some predict that Chairman Kim, who has been invited to visit Russia by President Putin, will be able to attend the Victory Day event with the North Korean military.

Russia has strengthened relations with North Korea since the launch of the special military operation in Ukraine.

In June last year, it signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty that included provisions for mutual military aid, raising relations to the level of military alliances.

There has been no official confirmation from Russia and North Korea, but amid criticism that North Korea provided weapons and troops to Russia, Russia seems to be actively joining the symbolic event commemorating the Victory Day.