Russia’s most awesome stories that you might have missed: Sept. 16-22

1. Russian director Zvyagintsev’s movie 'Loveless' to compete for Oscar

A screenshot from 'Loveless'

Kinopoisk.ru

Each of Andrey Zvyagintsev's movies is a big event in the film world. It’s no surprise that his new drama Loveless has been nominated for an Academy Award.

2. From Gogol to Tolstoy: The 5 scariest books by Russian authors

A screenshot from the 2014 movie 'Vyi' based on Gogol's story.

kinopoisk.ru

Russian horror books date back 150 years - these scary books will definitely give you goosebumps!

3. Terrorists beware: Zapad-2017 shows off Russia and Belarus’ battle monsters

Around 700 light and heavy armored vehicles - alongside 13,000 servicemen - showed what they're capable of during the drills.

Sergey Averin/RIA Novosti

These military exercises pricked NATO’s ears. Russia-Belarus Zapad-2017 drills revealed how the two states are equipped to deal with potential terrorist threats.

4. Russian clowns add their voice to the global chorus of anger at 'It' movie

A screenshot from the movie

The new adaptation of Stephen King’s It has upset Russian clowns, who say the film discredits their profession - and hurts clowns’ feelings...

5. Black gold: How the Russian oil industry was born

Alexander Ptitsyn/МАММ/russiainphoto.ru

The world’s modern petroleum industry was born in the Russian Empire. Today, it is one of the main pillars of Russia’s economy.

6. The reluctant hero: How a Soviet officer single-handedly prevented WWIII

Stanislav Petrov wearing his military uniform in 1999.

Legion Media

Soviet lieutenant colonel Stanislav Petrov saved humanity by taking the brave decision not to launch a nuclear strike on the U.S. following a false alarm. Despite this, the world only came to know about his death a few months after he passed away.

Editor’s note: This is a list of the best stories published by RBTH this week, and you can expect one every Friday. Alternatively, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook so you don’t miss out on the most awesome stories from Russia.

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