Opening ceremony of the Moscow stage of the "Cinema in Service to the Fatherland" festival took place at the National Centre
The III International Traveling Festival "Cinema in Service to the Fatherland" became the first to be entirely dedicated to the heroes of the special operation. Its central theme is the union of art and the army to immortalize heroism and create a chronicle of historical events. As part of the Moscow stage, an exposition of graphic portraits of veterans, "Coal of the Russian Land," was held, along with screenings of front-line documentary films highly praised by audiences. Front-line directors, musicians, and documentarians performed at the National Centre RUSSIA.
According to Acting Governor of the Jewish Autonomous Region Maria Kostyuk, festivals like this help preserve the memory of the defenders of the Fatherland.
"‘Cinema in Service to the Fatherland’ and the National Centre RUSSIA today stand as one — one in understanding, meaning, consciousness, and acceptance of what is truly happening and how challenging it is for our country’s modern history. We must raise children as true defenders of the Fatherland, true citizens — those to whom we can entrust the future of our country so that it remains great," emphasized Maria Kostyuk.
Today, documentary cinema is not just about films but also a way to show the truthful course of history, as seen through the eyes of a director who is directly present at the events.
"This is a festival born on the front lines, in the fields, in the heart. It is a movement traveling across Russia, leaving deep impressions on the souls of our people because this cinema is made by the people," emphasized documentary filmmaker and head of the International Traveling Festival "Cinema in Service to the Fatherland" Olesya Shigina.
According to co-author, general producer, and second cameraman of the film "At the Edge of the Abyss" Sergei Belous, audiences across regions eagerly anticipate such works.
"Our film was shown at this festival in a rough-cut version back in 2023. It was the first festival where our film was accepted in such a form in St. Petersburg. Now, it is available on four online platforms and is also the first documentary film to have a wide theatrical release. It was funded by the people, completely independent. The audience had been waiting for such a film, and we received a significant number of views," shared Sergei Belous.
Among the films presented at the festival were "Donbass. The Front Line. Cossacks," "I'm Coming Home," "We Are Forever in This Summer," "Unconquered," and others. In total, the International Traveling Festival "Cinema in Service to the Fatherland" has already reached more than 50 regions and over 500,000 viewers.
Event photobank
The lecture "Come and See: The Feat of Newsreel Cameramen during the Great Patriotic War" took place as part of the "Thursday. Development".
The centre has become the first, unique, and multifunctional exhibition venue in Belarus, operated by the National Exhibition Centre "BelExpo."
On May 8, the audience at the National Centre RUSSIA enjoyed a performance by a combined children's wind orchestra, which launched the festive concert programme.
