Historical references
The Kultura cinema is located on Volodarsky Street, formerly Serpukhovskaya. Before the revolution, the building, built in the Moorish style, housed the Choral Synagogue, which was built in 1902-1906 on the initiative of MD O.L. Lunts. In 1923, it was converted into a workers' club. In the 1920s and 1930s, the cinema building was often used for official events. The local auditorium was famous for its excellent acoustics. Stars who came to Minsk on tour preferred to perform in "Kulture". Minsk residents listened here to Vladimir Mayakovsky, Leonid Utesov, Sergey Lemeshev. In the 30s, the State Jewish Theater of the Belarusian SSR worked in this building. After the end of World War II, the former cinema was rebuilt: it housed the Gorky Theater.
The founder of the State Academic Drama Theater named after Gorky was Vladimir Vladimirovich Kumelsky. He was born in Tomsk in 1884. He began his creative activity in 1904. He worked in the collective "Dubovitsky Partnership", in the enterprises of G.K. Nevsky and V.V. Charsky. In 1910, he became an entrepreneur of a traveling troupe (together with N.N. Shestov). In 1910-1916, he performed in Mogilev, Bobruisk and other cities of Belarus. People began to get used to the artist groups in the cities of Berezina, and the issue of building special theater rooms appeared on the agenda.
Gradually, Kumelsky's troupe became one of the most popular troupes in the republic. The tour in Minsk (August-September 1931) was a kind of report of the collective, for which the creative potential of the troupe was highly appreciated. In 1931, the collective was called the First Russian Theater of the BSSR, and in 1932, by the decree of the People's Commissariat of Education under the Council of People's Commissars of the BSSR, the theater was given the status of "state".
In 1933, the theater went on a tour to Minsk, which was very successful. The play "Egor Blikhov" (in which Kumelsky played the main role), based on the play by M. Gorky, delighted the audience and critics. Later, Vladimir Kumelsky was awarded the title "Honored Artist of the BSSR" by the decree of the Council of People's Commissars of July 11, 1933.
Team Goals
To showcase and promote independent film works with artistic and social impact.
To promote the diversity and innovative development of global film culture.
To support the creation and development of emerging directors and artists.
To provide an international platform to promote communication and cooperation among film practitioners.
Chair
Name: Emily James
Introduction: Emily James is a renowned filmmaker and artist whose work is loved by audiences and critics. As the Chair of Wallflower Film Festival, she is committed to promoting and showcasing independent films with depth and innovation around the world.
Curatorial Team
Zhang Yaming
Position: Director of Curatorial
Introduction: Zhang Yaming has more than ten years of experience in film festival curation and has served as a jury member at several international film festivals. His vision and taste enable him to discover films with unique perspectives and artistic value.
Sophie Miller
Position: Curator
Introduction: Sophie Miller is a young and passionate film curator who focuses on discovering the works of emerging directors and female filmmakers. Her passion for film art and innovative vision make her an important member of the festival's curatorial team.
Antonio Rossi
Position: Curator
Introduction: Antonio Rossi is an expert in cross-cultural film and television production, and his work focuses on promoting exchanges and cooperation in film culture between different countries and regions. His experience in international film festivals makes him an ideal candidate to evaluate and select the best film works.
Collaboration Team
Li Hua
Position: International Cooperation Manager
Introduction: Li Hua is responsible for promoting the cooperation between Wallflower Film Festival and the international film community, and is committed to expanding the international influence and partnerships of the film festival.
Emily Johnson
Position: International Film Critic
Introduction: Emily Johnson is an acclaimed international film critic whose reviews are highly regarded by audiences and film practitioners. She helps shape the public image and influence of the film festival through criticism and analysis.
Carlos Fernandez
Position: International Artistic Advisor
Introduction: Carlos Fernandez is a senior filmmaker and artist whose works and experience bring a cross-cultural artistic vision and creative spirit to the film festival.
Team History
Early Founding: Wallflower Film Festival was founded in 20XX by a group of young people who love the art of film. It was originally intended to promote independent film culture in the local community. Through their passion and hard work, they gradually attracted the attention of more fans and filmmakers.
Expansion and Development: Over time, Wallflower Film Festival has gradually expanded to the national and even international stage. Through continuous improvement and innovation, they have successfully built the film festival into an important platform for showcasing the latest and most forward-looking independent film works.
Technological Transformation: In the face of the challenges of the global epidemic, Wallflower Film Festival quickly turned to a virtual platform and successfully migrated the traditional film festival experience to the online space through technological innovation and partnerships.
Vision Plan
Our vision is to become a virtual film festival that showcases independent films from all over the world through unique perspectives and forward-looking programming. We are committed to:
Promoting Innovation: Showcasing film works that challenge traditional narrative structures and aesthetics, and encouraging filmmakers to explore and innovate.
Promoting Communication: Providing a platform for communication and learning for film practitioners and audiences around the world to promote cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.
Technology-led: Providing a high-quality, interactive film festival experience through state-of-the-art virtual technology, enabling audiences to participate and enjoy the festival globally.
