Danila Kozlovsky Joins Mayak Film Festival Jury in Gelendzhik
Russian actor and director Danila Kozlovsky is taking a prominent role as a member of the jury for the upcoming Mayak film festival, set to take place in Gelendzhik. This participation was announced on the festival’s official site, signaling a high-profile alignment with the event.
Leading the jury will be producer Igor Tolstunov, who has been appointed president of the panel. Also on the judging slate are film actress Nadezhda Vasilyeva-Balabanova, film critic Lev Karakhan, director Alexey Popogrebsky, and actress Anya Chipovskaya, all of whom will contribute to evaluating the festival’s film screenings and selections.
The Mayak festival is scheduled to run in Gelendzhik from October 5 through October 9. A lighthouse on the city’s coast has been chosen as the festival’s emblem, reflecting Gelendzhik’s identity as a coastal landmark and maritime resort, where the lighthouse stands as a recognizable symbol for both locals and visitors.
The event is organized by the Kinoprime Foundation for the Development of Contemporary Cinema, an organization dedicated to promoting current cinema and supporting film culture in the region. Its involvement underscores a commitment to showcasing diverse cinematic works and fostering discussion among filmmakers and audiences.
In mid-April, reports circulated that after the start of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, Kozlovsky traveled to the United States before returning to Russia, making stops in Moscow and St. Petersburg. The actor reportedly contacted the prosecutor’s office about plans to perform in theaters in St. Petersburg, signaling ongoing engagement with stage and screen projects despite international developments.
Public statements from Kozlovsky emphasized that he does not hold a second citizenship and that his travel was part of personal and professional obligations. He also noted plans to visit his child in the United States, a detail that drew media attention amid broader discussions about travel and residence for Russian actors during the period.
There was also a notable development on September 13 related to a legal matter involving Kozlovsky and a public commentator, with Kozlovsky filing a lawsuit seeking one ruble in damages. The case was described in coverage as a response to prior public remarks and comments about his personal and professional life.
In a separate note, reports from Britain mentioned a project related to cutting a tree associated with the Robin Hood legend. The exact context and consequences of this report were not clear within the available coverage, but it appeared to be part of broader cultural discussions surrounding film and folklore in the region.