What's the deal with Vladimir Putin calendars?

[The calendar tries to make him look strong, yet likable]( Jan. 2, 2019 One month, there’s Vladimir Putin topless in the woods with a gun. On the next page, he’s fishing in a white button-down shirt and pants. No, they’re not pictures from the Russian president’s eHarmony page. They’re from [a calendar devoted to pictures of Putin]( that make him look strong, yet likable. Also, in 2018, Netflix announced it acquired worldwide exclusive distribution rights for Nollywood star Genevieve Nnaji’s debut film as director, the comedy "Lionheart" — its first from Nigeria. Many saw it as ushering in a new era. But is it true?[Is Netflix going to transform Nollywood?]( And check out this [list of favorite interviews in 2018]( from The World's host, Marco Werman. — Anna Pratt, The Scan editor [No Images? Click here.]( [What's the deal with Vladimir Putin calendars?]( [What's the deal with Vladimir Putin calendars?]( "Strong man" calendars are making a comeback in 2019. [What's the deal with Vladimir Putin calendars?]( [What's the deal with Vladimir Putin calendars?]( "Strong man" calendars are making a comeback in 2019. [What Netflix’s involvement in Nigeria’s massive film industry really means]( [What Netflix’s involvement in Nigeria’s massive film industry really means]( "Lionheart" marked Netflix's first original film from Nigeria and the beginning of a new era in the relationship between Netflix and Nollywood. [What Netflix’s involvement in Nigeria’s massive film industry really means]( [What Netflix’s involvement in Nigeria’s massive film industry really means]( "Lionheart" marked Netflix's first original film from Nigeria and the beginning of a new era in the relationship between Netflix and Nollywood. [Host Marco Werman's favorite interviews of 2018]( [Host Marco Werman's favorite interviews of 2018]( From artist Ai Weiwei, to the coach of Afghanistan's national women’s team Kelly Lindsey, host Marco Werman shares his favorite interviews of 2018. [Host Marco Werman's favorite interviews of 2018]( [Host Marco Werman's favorite interviews of 2018]( From artist Ai Weiwei, to the coach of Afghanistan's national women’s team Kelly Lindsey, host Marco Werman shares his favorite interviews of 2018. [Two women enter a Hindu temple in India, defying ancient ban and sparking protests]( [Two women enter a Hindu temple in India, defying ancient ban and sparking protests]( In September, India's Supreme Court ordered the lifting of the ban on women or girls of menstruating age from entering the Sabarimala temple, but the temple refused to abide and subsequent attempts by women to visit have been blocked by thousands of devotees. [Al-Qaeda is gone, but this Yemeni hip-hop group still can't perform]( [Al-Qaeda is gone, but this Yemeni hip-hop group still can't perform]( Members of WaxOn, a Yemeni hip-hop band, thought the defeat of al-Qaeda in their city would free them to dance. But now security forces say otherwise. Hey, Scan reader… PRI takes a global approach to the news of the day. We help you understand how what happens around the world matters in Washington and in your neighborhood. Today more than ever, we need conversations, perspectives and diverse voices. [Donate Today >]( Enjoying The Scan? Forward it to a friend! And if you’re not getting it daily, it’s easy to subscribe. [Sign up here](. We also love feedback, so please [tell us how we’re doing](. Today’s newsletter was written by Anna Pratt. Find her on Twitter: [@annapratt](. [Press release]( [PRI Facebook]( [PRI Twitter]( [Edit your subscription]( | [Unsubscribe]( | [View in your browser]( The Scan is brought to you by [GlobalPost]( and [PRI - Public Radio International](.