Miguel Suárez del Cerro

Public diplomacy can begin in seemingly everyday spaces: a movie theater, the pages of a book, a conference, or a conversation between people from different cultures. For Miguel Suárez del Cerro, a cultural programmer from Navarre and a promoter of Russian culture, this path began in Pamplona and has continued for over a decade through projects designed to bring cultures closer and create stable spaces for dialogue.

Miguel Suárez del Cerro is the director and founder of the Russian Film Cycle in Pamplona, president of the Slavic Cultural Association of Navarre, and author of the book «Russian Gazes in Pamplona». In September 2026, he became the winner in the final of the V International Competition "Leader of Public Diplomacy" in the "Cultural Diplomacy" category.

His professional journey is built around one core idea: culture can serve as a tool for better mutual understanding, forging strong bonds, and opening new opportunities for cooperation between societies.

The Russian Film Cycle in Pamplona: Over a Decade of Cinema and Cultural Dialogue

The Russian Film Cycle in Pamplona began in 2015 as a three-month film showcase. The audience's response transformed this initial initiative into a stable program that continues to this day, celebrating its 11th edition in 2026.

From the very beginning, Miguel Suárez del Cerro took on the coordination of the project. Each film becomes an opportunity to explore different periods of Russian history, literature, and culture, with screenings accompanied by presentations and analytical discussions.

Over its eleven editions, the cycle has presented more than a hundred films and events, including works by directors such as Nikita Mikhalkov, Andrei Tarkovsky, Sergei and Fyodor Bondarchuk, Karen Shakhnazarov, Andrei Konchalovsky, Sergei Eisenstein, Mikhail Kalatozov, Leonid Gaidai, and Grigory Chukhray, among many others.

The program has also included film adaptations of works by Dostoevsky, Chekhov, Pushkin, Gogol, Bulgakov, and Turgenev, as well as documentaries, thematic retrospectives, special screenings, and events related to historical memory.

Thus, a local initiative has transformed into a permanent space for the public of Navarre to engage with Russian culture.

From the Screen to the Book: Russian Gazes in Pamplona

The experience accumulated during the first years of the cycle gave birth to a new project: the book «Russian Gazes in Pamplona», written by Miguel Suárez del Cerro and published with the support of the Government of Navarre.

Presented in 2019, the book collects and analyzes various Soviet and Russian films screened in Pamplona, reflecting on their social and cinematic significance. The work expands the educational outreach initiated in the movie theaters. The project aims not merely to be a chronicle of film history, but to offer diverse perspectives on a cinema that allows one to connect with the history, society, and culture of a country through its audiovisual works.

The Slavic Cultural Association: Culture, Memory, and Intercultural Dialogue

Another fundamental part of this journey is the Slavic Cultural Association of Navarre, founded and led by Miguel Suárez del Cerro. The association functions as a space dedicated to the study of Slavic cultures and intercultural dialogue. Its activities encompass cinema, literature, history, and music through exhibitions, lectures, literary meetings, and other cultural initiatives.

Among its events are also actions dedicated to the Victory Day anniversary on May 9, which allow for the reflection on historical and cultural memory in a format of gathering and joint participation.

A Network of Cultural Cooperation

Over the years, the work carried out from Pamplona has made it possible to establish connections with associations, institutions, and professionals from different regions. The project has maintained contacts and cooperation with cultural organizations from various autonomous communities, associations of the Russian community in Spain, and the Russian House in Madrid. Ties have also been established with cultural institutions in St. Petersburg.

One of the results of this network was the presentation in January 2026 of the documentary film «The Siege and Liberation of Leningrad», produced by the St. Petersburg Documentary Film Studio and screened in its original language with subtitles as part of the 10th Russian Film Cycle in Pamplona.

Thus, the cultural work developed from a Spanish city has made it possible to build bridges with other cities and facilitate the exchange of works, experiences, and projects.

The International Dimension: New Generation and the International Cooperation Forum

The cultural activity in Pamplona was complemented by Miguel Suárez del Cerro's participation in the "New Generation" program and the International Cooperation Forum in Moscow.

"New Generation" brings together young professionals from different countries and fields, including diplomacy, international relations, science, education, media, entrepreneurship, and culture. The program seeks to promote mutual understanding and establish contacts for future cooperation projects. Since its inception, it has seen the participation of over 10,000 delegates from more than 150 countries.

Participation in the International Cooperation Forum made it possible to learn about diverse perspectives on diplomacy, international cooperation, culture, and technology, as well as to connect with professionals from different countries. Among the prominent figures who participated were Maria Zakharova, Emir Kusturica, and Vietnamese cosmonaut Phạm Tuân.

Cinema, Media, and Outreach

Cultural outreach also holds an important place in the work of Miguel Suárez del Cerro. He participated as the host of the "Russian Cinema" program on Canal 8 in Honduras, providing introductory segments for films, and has collaborated with various Spanish media outlets and cultural publications.

In parallel, he has developed a career as a writer and columnist. His works include essays, articles, short stories, and scripts, as well as awards related to literature and the cultural sphere. This activity has allowed him to expand the reach of his projects and bring Russian culture to an audience beyond the in-person events organized in Pamplona.

International Recognition

In 2026, this journey received international recognition through his participation in the V International Competition "Leader of Public Diplomacy." On September 18, 2026, in Moscow, he received an award in the "Cultural Diplomacy" category during the II World Public Assembly.

This award recognizes a path forged over more than a decade through cinema, literature, associative activities, and the creation of spaces for cultural exchange.

What Does It Mean to Be a Leader in Public Diplomacy?

For Miguel Suárez del Cerro, leadership in this field lies in turning an idea into a real project and, most importantly, into a space that is stable over time. An initiative may start as something small, but its continuity, ability to generate engagement, and evolution can make it a focal point for many people.

From this perspective, being a leader means not only having an idea but also working on its development, maintenance, and ensuring that other people can make it their own and participate in it. Continuity is also a way of building a genuine space for dialogue and cooperation.

Directions for Cooperation

In the future, Miguel Suárez del Cerro plans to continue developing cooperation projects in the following areas:

1. Cultural diplomacy and cultural exchange between Spain and Russia.

2. Promotion of Russian cinema and literature in Spain.

3. Cooperation between associations and cultural institutions.

4. New audiovisual and publishing projects.

5. Initiatives for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.

6. Development of a broad and internationally open catalog.

Contacts and Useful Links

- Website: www.cinerusoenpamplona.com

- Email: miradasrusasenpamplona@gmail.com

- Telegram / Instagram: @msuarezpamplona

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miguelsuarezdelcerro

- WhatsApp: +34 676912904