Dagestan Diaries: A Filmmaker's Tale of Bribes and Bears

Filming in Dagestan: Unexpected Encounters and Cultural Insights Filming in Dagestan, Russia, proved to be more challenging than expected for a group of young filmmakers. Their experiences highlight significant cultural differences and unexpected bureaucratic hurdles. The group arrived in Dagestan to film a video featuring a bear. However, their initial attempts to navigate the local system were met with obstacles. One of the filmmakers, interviewed in the video, described the situation: "The airport official told us to turn on our equipment, but it had no battery. He wouldn't let us pass until we paid a bribe." This anecdote illustrates the stark contrast between Western and Dagestani cultural norms regarding official processes. The interviewee goes on to discuss the difficulties in scheduling and the overall cultural differences that made filming in Dagestan a unique and challenging experience. Despite the challenges, the filmmakers successfully completed their project, gaining valuable insights into the culture and people of Dagestan. The experience serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and preparedness when working internationally.