“Cinema speaks a language that is understandable without translation”: the organisers of the “Days of Russian-Cypriot Cinema” festival about a new platform for cultural dialogue
In September, Nicosia will for the first time become a venue for a meeting of Russian and Cypriot cinema: on 25–26 September the festival “Days of Russian-Cypriot Cinema” will take place at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture. The programme includes short films from both countries, a special screening of two feature films of Cypriot and Russian production, a meeting with their creators, and an online pitching session for screenwriters.
We spoke with the founders of the ANO “Svoy Krug” — Lilia Shafranskaya and Yuliana Nekhaevskaya — about how the idea of the festival came about, why Cyprus in particular, and what they expect from the first meeting of the two cinematographies.
Cyprus Butterfly: Lilia, Yuliana, several months have passed since the festival was announced. How has the project changed during this time?
Lilia Shafranskaya: It has grown a lot. Initially we imagined a rather chamber festival, but in the process we realised that around this idea we could bring together many more people: professionals and audiences.
The Foundation for the Support of Regional Cinematography of the Union of Cinematographers of Russia joined us, and Vasilisa Yurenkova, producer of film projects of the FSRK, became the festival’s programme director. The support of the Foundation is very important for us: we want not only to show already well-known authors, but also to give young directors the opportunity to be seen.
Yuliana Nekhaevskaya: And gradually it became clear that the festival is not only about screenings. We want the connection not to be lost after these two days: so that acquaintances are made, joint ideas and projects appear. That is why we added a script pitching session — a truly unique opportunity today to shoot a project in international collaboration.
Cyprus Butterfly: Why Cyprus in particular? What connects Russian and Cypriot cinema?
Yuliana: Probably, first of all, people. There is a large Russian-speaking community in Cyprus, Russian filmmakers come here. And of course there are local directors, producers and actors. But at the same time professional contacts between the two cinematographies are not yet as developed as we would like.
We are interested in trying to change that. Moreover, we do not want this to be a festival where one side simply shows its cinema to the other. What is important for us is mutual creative acquaintance — to see how we are similar, how we differ, and what we can do together.
Lilia: And cinema works very well here as a way of such acquaintance. There is no need to explain the context at length: you simply watch another person’s story and suddenly recognise something about yourself in it.
Cyprus Butterfly: Tell us more about the script pitching. Why was it decided to make it part of the festival?
Yuliana: Our pitching is a place where beginning screenwriters can talk about themselves. Everything is quite simple: we accept short-film scripts, that is, around 20 pages. Applications are open until 15 September, and then we will publish a shortlist of the 10 best works — from which the jury will choose the best script in an online format on the 26th.
We wanted to give authors the opportunity not just to show a finished shot work, but to come with an idea that has yet to become a film. Adult authors can participate regardless of education and experience. This is especially important for us: sometimes a person has a good story, but no opportunity to enter the professional environment.
Lilia: Yes, and there is another important point here. We wanted a beginning author who decided to write a script for our pitching to know that their work would not simply be read, but would receive a real chance to be embodied in cinema. That is why the winner will get the opportunity to realise their project in Russia and in Cyprus. Exactly in both countries: an important condition of the pitching is that the script must play on the connection of the two cultures. So the winning script will not simply receive a diploma, but will be shot and shown at the next festival.
Yuliana: Since we accept applications until 15 September, if your work is not yet ready, that is no problem at all. On the contrary, now is a good moment to write a script that will have the chance to become an international film.
Cyprus Butterfly: Why is the pitching held online?
Yuliana: Because we wanted to make it as open as possible. Not every author from Russia can come to Cyprus just for a five-minute presentation. The online format allows us to connect participants from different cities and countries while preserving a live conversation with the jury.
Lilia: And this corresponds well to the very idea of the project. We want to connect people who may physically be in different places.
Cyprus Butterfly: And how do you see the competition screening? What is more important for you in the selection — artistic level or the theme of cultural dialogue?
Lilia: Of course, first of all we need a good film. We do not want to set authors the condition: “You must necessarily tell exactly about Russia and Cyprus.” It is much more interesting when the connection arises naturally. What is important for us is that the film is alive, that it has its own intonation, and that after watching it one wants to talk about it.
Yuliana: And it seems to me that it will be interesting precisely to watch films of the two countries side by side. Sometimes the differences are visible at once, and sometimes it turns out that people living thousands of kilometres apart experience very similar things.
Cyprus Butterfly: The jury of the pitching and the competition programme includes quite well-known Russian professionals. Why was it important for you to gather exactly such a team?
Lilia: We want authors to receive real, professional feedback. The pitching jury includes screenwriters, directors, producers, a film critic. These are people with very different experience, and each can look at a project from their own side.
But another thing is also important for us: we hope that through the festival Russian professionals will begin to communicate more with their Cypriot colleagues. In the end, it is precisely such acquaintances that often become the beginning of joint work.
Cyprus Butterfly: Will admission to the festival be free?
Yuliana: Yes, simply by prior registration. We want a person to be able to see the poster, send an application in a couple of clicks and come. It is not necessary to be a film scholar or a professional. One can come with friends, family, accidentally drop into a screening — and discover new cinema for oneself.
Lilia: And we very much want to see not only Russian-speaking spectators in the hall. We are talking about cultural dialogue, and it should take place not only within one community.
Cyprus Butterfly: What do you expect from the first festival?
Lilia: Of course, we want people to watch good films and enjoy them. But if we talk about something greater — that after the festival Russian and Cypriot filmmakers will have new acquaintances and the desire to do something together.
Yuliana: Yes. For us these two days are a beginning, not an end point. We very much hope that in a year we will come to the next festival already with a film that was born thanks to this first meeting.
https://cyprusbutterfly.com.cy/news/sentyabrya-rossiyskom-centre-nauki-kulytury
