On November 27, 2025, a meeting without translation will be held in Berlin with human rights activist and journalist Olga Romanova, who will present her new novel, the daring neo-noir “The Bottle Game.” The event opens at 7:00 p.m., and admission is free.
Romanova has long been known as a voice capable of speaking honestly, directly, and fearlessly about complex issues. This time, she surprised readers even more: her new book is a political thriller interwoven with coming-of-age drama, action, slash fan fiction, and vivid yaoi motifs. But the plot is far from being solely about relationships: it is about people whom everyone sees every day—even if they try not to notice them.
The Bottle Game spans several decades and many locations: from the suburbs of Leningrad in 1974 to Moscow, Kabul, Berlin, Dresden, and St. Petersburg, ending in the near future. At the center of the story is a bold and enterprising woman from a Ukrainian village who comes to conquer the northern capital. Smart, honest, and ready to help, she encounters a legendary cosmonaut, a young KGB officer in Dresden, gangsters, ministers, members of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, spies, and hired assassins. Going through these encounters and not breaking the rules, she gradually turns into a shady figure — a person who has declared war on her own homeland.
The event will be moderated by Svetlana Müller.
The language of the meeting is Russian, without translation.
The event is part of the festival's additional program. PANDAwomen 2025.
What Are the Objectives of the Award?
The primary goal of the Award is to support authors and promote Russian-language literature worldwide. We welcome all who write and read in Russian, regardless of citizenship or place of residence. We aim to foster a Russian-language culture free from political and imperial influences.
How Is the Award Process Conducted?
The Prize is awarded annually. The Jury holds a vote in which each member selects between one and three works. The author whose work receives the highest number of votes becomes the winner.
What Awards Are Provided?
The Prize winner receives a grant for the translation of their work into English, French, and German.
When Does the Submission Period for the Competition Start and End?
Submissions for the third season of the prize will open on July 15, 2026, and close on October 15, 2026.
When will the list of finalists and winners be announced?
On January 20, 2027, the Council of Experts will announce the shortlist. The Independent Jury will announce the winner on May 25, 2027.
What are the conditions for the nomination of a book for the award
Works published in 2025 are eligible for the third season of the competition. Eligible works (novels, novellas, short story and essay collections, documentary prose) may have been published either as standalone editions or in literary magazines. Nominations may be submitted by publishing houses and magazine editorial boards, as well as by the authors themselves or third parties (with the author's consent and written confirmation). Texts must be submitted for consideration in electronic format. The DAR Prize is open to all authors. Given the prize's main goals — promoting contemporary Russian-language literature outside of Russia — and the nature of the award itself (a translation grant), priority will be given to authors whose works have not previously been translated into English, French, or German.
