BAM has always been a place where both domestic and international film lovers can feel at home. The Brooklyn institute’s upcoming series—Russian Cinema Now—will be, presented as part of BAMcinématek and TransCultural Express. The program highlights unique contemporary films showing different sides of Russia and the vast array of characters, both real and fictional that populate the country. Kicking off the program tomorrow night at 7PM is Russian Winter, a fascinating documentary that celebrated its world premiere at last year’s Festival.

The Russian Winter is a stirring music documentary to be sure, but in many ways it is just as much a road movie. The film follows former Fugees member John Forté from his early years growing up in Brownsville, Brooklyn, to the prestigious Philip Exeter Academy, which he attended on scholarship, to a prison cell in Texas following a drug arrest, and finally to Moscow and an ambitious charitable concert tour.

During his nine-week journey through Russia, Forté reflects on his own life as he collaborates with talented Russian musicians. With his fellow performers, he entertains a series of unlikely audiences, sharing his messages and music with the other side of the world.

Presented in association with Film Buff, John Forté and director Petter Ringbom will attend in person and will be available for a Q & A directly after the screening. Afterwards, Forté and international hip-hop artist Sun Say will join together for a free concert at the BAMcafé starting at 9:30PM. The two will perform songs featured in the film and will share other collaborative efforts inspired by Forté’s journey.