The IV International Film Festival for Children and Youth “Hero” hosted a business program

Cinema as an Art of Dialogue

On May 20, the IV International Film Festival for Children and Youth “Hero” hosted a business program featuring jury members, honorary guests, and regional filmmakers.
The business program was moderated by Irina Mastusova - Executive Director of the Animation Film Association.

The roundtable discussion “The Children’s Film Industry in Russia and the World: Achievements, Challenges and Prospects” was opened by Irina BelovaThe Head of the Yenisei Kino State Autonomous Cultural Institution. Belova presented the support measures, resources, and capabilities of the Krasnoyarsk Region Film Commission, which annually yield feature films and series produced in the region.

The roundtable discussion was divided into three key and systemic sections, covering aspects of modern film education, production and distribution of projects for children and young people, and the image of the hero and its influence on the younger generation.

Film Festival President, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, director Vladimir Grammatikov discussed how VGIK (Gerasimov All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography) is shaping a new generation of filmmakers, noting that “cinema is a form of service and the art of human trust”.

The dialogue on education for young filmmakers was continued by representatives of the Krasnoyarsk regional film community: Vasily Nelyubin,Vasily Builov, Alexander Kalashnikov, and Mariya Krasnoperova.Thanks to their teaching and educational work, the region is producing a generation of young industry professionals who continue to work on projects filmed locally.

“New heroes are important and needed today”, noted jury chairman and theater and film director Vladimir Alenikov. The author of the renowned “Adventures of Petrov and Vasechkin” spoke about creating a series of new works for children and young adults. Therefore, it is important that the image of a hero adapts to today’s audiences.

Vladimir Golovnev noted the importance of support from institutions and government agencies for regional filmmakers. The search for a hero is a constant state for documentary filmmakers. Therefore, portraying a hero of our time is always a challenge that can be solved, first and foremost, through self-observation.

Daria Martyukhova, Director of the Department of Cultural and Educational Programs at the Gorky Film Studio, spoke about the focus of working with children and educating through practice. Currently, the Film Studio operates a film campus, where 260 children have already received film education.

Larisa Antonova, Director of the “Dom Kino” Cinema, presented the approach to working with young viewers through integrating film into the educational program. Through the “To the Cinema Theatre with the Whole Class” program, she helps schoolchildren maintain a dialogue with classics and new films.

Tatyana Belova, screenwriter and producer at the “Chernovik” film company, discussed how miracles are born on screen. Using her experience creating the animated film “Land of Miracles”, Tatyana shared the challenges one can face when real-life inspiration begs to be captured on screen.

Colleagues from China and Uzbekistan shared their experiences in international film production and distribution. Film producer and director Dmitry Liu discussed successful examples of Asian animated films, which enjoy popularity in local distribution due to their recognizable imagery, national character, and audience appeal.

Film director Muzaffar Karabaev discussed how government support has influenced the development of private film companies, and how the production of children’s and youth content has grown exponentially.

Separately, the roundtable discussed the following topics: education in animation film, competitions, opportunities and support measures for young filmmakers, prospects for collaboration with platforms, and the use of artificial intelligence in creative work.

The roundtable served as a platform for dialogue, new ideas, and progressive perspectives that will help the Krasnoyarsk Region industry not only become the voice of youth but also provide aspiring filmmakers with professional education and the opportunity to realize their own film projects.