As part of the festival of contemporary culture and human rights Kulturus.
Dmitry Petrov's Parent's Day is a profound story of our time. It is a look at war both from the battlefield and from within the human heart.
A father tries to make sense of his son's choice to volunteer for military service, only to have him go missing in action. Their direct and imagined dialogues, torn apart by war, are attempts to break through ideology and pain to find a bridge between duty, love, and the chasm of misunderstanding. How can he talk to his son when his choice leads him into the epicenter of tragedy?
This is very poetic prose. But it is not fiction. The book was written by Dmitry Pavlovich Petrov, reflecting on the real fate of his son, Dmitry Dmitrievich Petrov (Leshy), an ethnographer, anarchist, and volunteer who remained true to his convictions until the end. This personal tragedy gives the story unprecedented depth.
This is an honest story for those who are ready to reflect on the price of convictions, duty, and freedom of choice, without expecting simple answers.
📍 Faculty of Philosophy, Charles University, Lecture Hall 300, Náměstí Jana Palacha 2.
With the support of the Boris Nemtsov Center at the Faculty of Philosophy, Charles University.
Admission is free.
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.
