On February 6, 2026, the Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines in Moscow hosted “From Reunion with Love,” a live bridge event held as part of the Genesis International Film Festival community program.
Joining via video link were Abel and Lauren, the founders of WOPE Production (Reunion Island). They spoke about their work in television (including projects for Canal+), their independent filmmaking, and how Reunion Island shapes storytelling—not just as a backdrop, but as an active co-author of the narrative.
The conversation explored the island’s distinctive cultural landscape: how different languages and traditions coexist, what it means to live alongside an active volcano, and how this environment influences creative choices on screen.
A special focus was placed on WOPE Production’s comedy mini-series *Somin Gazé* (“Crazy Trail”)—24 short episodes inspired by life on Reunion and the legendary mountain race Grand Raid (Diagonale des Fous). The story follows Lino and his half-brother Jozumé through training, searching, unexpected mishaps, and encounters with a wide range of people—guided by Creole humor and island culture.
A particularly warm moment came near the end of the evening, when Rémy—a Reunion native who has lived in Moscow for about ten years—joined the discussion after hearing his home language. The event concluded with informal networking and friendly mini-competitions on the museum’s arcade machines.
Joining via video link were Abel and Lauren, the founders of WOPE Production (Reunion Island). They spoke about their work in television (including projects for Canal+), their independent filmmaking, and how Reunion Island shapes storytelling—not just as a backdrop, but as an active co-author of the narrative.
The conversation explored the island’s distinctive cultural landscape: how different languages and traditions coexist, what it means to live alongside an active volcano, and how this environment influences creative choices on screen.
A special focus was placed on WOPE Production’s comedy mini-series *Somin Gazé* (“Crazy Trail”)—24 short episodes inspired by life on Reunion and the legendary mountain race Grand Raid (Diagonale des Fous). The story follows Lino and his half-brother Jozumé through training, searching, unexpected mishaps, and encounters with a wide range of people—guided by Creole humor and island culture.
A particularly warm moment came near the end of the evening, when Rémy—a Reunion native who has lived in Moscow for about ten years—joined the discussion after hearing his home language. The event concluded with informal networking and friendly mini-competitions on the museum’s arcade machines.