Photographer-reporter Gió Sbriz catapults us into a little-known reality: far from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, on the border between Russia and Eastern Estonia
Gió Sbriz – a reportage in Narva, Estonia
«Most of the residents are pro-Russians, we have to consider the Russian propaganda is very strong in Narva; many people have a satellite box to watch all the Russian Channels, they believe what the tv shows and says. The strongest party locally is the Centre Party, even if they lost votes in the recent General Elections. At school, most of the teachers and kids speak Russian, Estonian will be mandatory in a couple of years».
Pro-Russian and anti-Russian East Estonia
Photographer-reporter Gió Sbriz catapults us into a little-known reality: far from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, on the border between Russia and Estonia, Russian propaganda is trying to magnetize to itself the countries of the former Soviet bloc long since absorbed within the alliance of Western countries.
In a small town in eastern Estonia, Narva, people seem reserved and do not like to talk about political issues, let alone the war in Ukraine, although widely the positions are pro-Russian.
Gió Sbriz and his silent faces
Few faces feel like talking here; Vlad and Sasha, 15 years old. There are no replies about what’s happening in Ukraine; he speaks basic English, Father Sergei of the Icon of Our Lady Russian Orthodox Church in Narva. Asked about the war, he only says his Church is open to every Christian; Alexander is a Russian from Narva who supports and helps many Ukrainian refugees; Irina lived in Florence for 12 years. She doesn’t say anything about the war; she only criticizes the Estonian Government.
Gió Sbriz
Italian born photographer, Gió Sbriz has always been inspired by the lives of the people around him. His collections are filled with real people, living their very real lives. His work is shot from emotional connection or circumstances that are affecting Sbriz’s life at that moment.
Editorial Team
