On June 8, the XIII edition of the X Book Festival willlight up Red Square as a grand stage for the super final of the International Young Readers Competition “Living Classics.” The organizers shared this news with socialbites.ca, underscoring how the event blends literary celebration with live performance, inviting families and book lovers to witness a moment when young voices take the spotlight.
During the final round, a star-studded jury will select three winners from a pool of ten finalists—five from Russia and five international participants. The chosen pair of top performers will take center stage to share their talents with festival-goers and the broader audience, with admission to the festival opening to the public at no charge, making it a welcoming occasion for readers of all ages.
Earlier, the All-Russian and international exams portion of the competition took place on May 20 and 21 at the Artek International Children’s Center. In a statement by Marina Smirnova, president of the Living Classics Foundation, it was noted that the final attracted 100 contestants from 40 countries, with broad representation across Russian regions. The event highlighted a diverse lineup of participants, reflecting a spectrum of cultural backgrounds and literary interests.
Winners in Russia hailed from various regions: Danil Kozlov representing the Irkutsk region for his interpretation of M. Druzhinina’s “What Happened in Our Class?”, Sirazhudin Akhmedkhanov from Dagestan for Ch. Aitmatov’s “Appointment with My Son” (with Alexander Zimmerman as translator or collaborator in the adaptation), and Samara region entrant for A. Chekhov’s “Two Scandals.” Maria Chudayeva from Kalmykia earned recognition for V. Astafiev’s “Grandma’s Holiday,” while Daria Chulikova from the Chelyabinsk region engaged with V. Shukshin’s “Alone.” The international finalists included Stanislav Martysyuk of Belarus for Yu Yakovlev’s “Alone” (featured in the international category “Heart of the Earth”), Daria Roberts representing the USA for E. Klyuev’s “Donut Hole,” Aiturgan Rysbekova from Kyrgyzstan for Ch. Aitmatov’s “Mother Field,” Matvey Gulyanitsky from Turkmenistan for M. Sholokhov’s “The Virgin Earth Has Risen,” and Elena Simone Michaela Jeremiasse from the Netherlands for A. Chekhov’s “From a Girl’s Diary.”
The super final will be evaluated by a distinguished panel that includes figures from theater and cinema, such as Viktor Dobronravov and Elizaveta Arzamasova, alongside literary and academic leaders connected to the competition. The Living Classics Foundation will be represented by Marina Smirnova, with additional participation from Taras Belousov, dean of the acting department at GITIS, as well as Marina Moskvina, a noted writer, and Artem Vasiliev, rector of Synergy University. Supporting roles will be played by theater professionals and educators from the HSE Cinema Institute and the Sovremennik Theater, including actress Marina Lebedeva in an advisory capacity.
As one of the organizers conveyed, the essence of this competition lies in the blend of a genuine love for literature, a deep understanding of character, and the ability to convey emotional truth through performance. The finalists are encouraged to bring the text to life on stage, letting their transformations resonate with audiences while honoring the integrity of the literary work. The sentiment was echoed by Dobronravov, who wished the finalists success and inspiration, underscoring the value of creative courage in young performers.
Since its inception thirteen years ago, the Living Classics contest has engaged more than 2.5 million schoolchildren, illustrating its wide reach and enduring appeal across generations. The program continues to foster reading culture, artistic expression, and cross-cultural dialogue through literature and performance.
Meanwhile, recent discussions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs touched on the participation policy for the Intervision program, clarifying which countries may take part in upcoming editions and how international collaboration will be structured in future cycles. These exchanges reflect the ongoing commitment to expanding access to global literary exchange and enriching the competition with new talent and perspectives.
Earlier cultural coverage also noted the evolving landscape of literary adaptations and film projects inspired by classic works, including ongoing discussions about how modern interpretations can illuminate timeless themes for contemporary audiences. The Living Classics initiative, with its mix of reading, performance, and international participation, stands as a dynamic platform where literature and performance converge to inspire young readers around the world, including Canada and the United States, to explore and enjoy stories that connect across cultures. In this sense, the festival remains not just a competition but a bridge—bringing children closer to great literature and inviting audiences of all backgrounds to celebrate their creativity and curiosity.