Russian Barbie doll collector Tatiana Tuzova is eagerly anticipating the release of the Hollywood movie based on her beloved dolls. As the owner of a massive collection of 12,000 Barbie dolls, Tuzova related to the character portrayed by Margot Robbie in the film, who, like her, exists in both a fantasy realm and a real world that is less than perfect. Tuzova finds solace in the fantasy world of Barbie Land, wishing that the real world could be just as bright and glamorous.
However, due to Western sanctions on Russia over the situation in Ukraine, the movie is not available for official distribution. Nevertheless, some cinemas plan to screen a digital copy of the film “for free” as part of a double bill with a shorter Russian film. Tuzova has contributed 300 dolls from her collection to be displayed at an unofficial premiere of the film in Moscow on September 9. Although she had hoped to see the movie for the first time on the big screen, she reluctantly watched a pirated version to fulfill media requests for her reaction.
Tuzova’s fascination with Barbie began in her childhood, seeing the doll as a role model with her motto, “You can be anything.” She admired Barbie’s ability to adapt to the real world while remaining true to herself. Tuzova, who dresses in pink and sports a large bow in her hair, has a wall in her apartment dedicated to her extensive Barbie collection, preserving them in their original boxes to maintain their value. Embracing the doll’s signature color, Tuzova declared, “I decided that I would have everything. And everything will be pink.”
The Barbie movie is a testament to the enduring popularity and influence of the iconic doll, who continues to inspire individuals like Tuzova to dream big and embrace their own unique qualities.
