The Gelendzhik film scene is gearing up for a festival that aims to fill the space left by Kinotavr, with the Mayak Film Festival serving as its regional counterpart. The event organizers describe Mayak as a bright, contemporary alternative designed to showcase Russian cinema in a setting that invites both creators and movie lovers to gather for five days of screenings, conversations, and discovery.
In the recent years, Kinotavr faced interruptions, including a period when the festival did not take place. The leadership of Kinotavr cited various reasons for program adjustments, and the gap created a clear opportunity for another regional festival to emerge and carry forward the tradition of presenting fresh work from domestic directors and actors. Mayak positions itself within this landscape as a festival that promotes artistic boldness and cinematic experimentation while also leaning into the festival atmosphere that draws audiences to the Black Sea coast each autumn.
On the festival’s calendar, a prominent opening feature was announced: Birth Year by Mikhail Mestetsky. The film follows a young dreamer from Metallogorsk who admires a disbanded punk group called Egg Light. He runs a podcast about the music scene and has built a small museum devoted to fans. When a new connection with Marina enters his life, the protagonist is forced to reassess his priorities, triggering a turn in the narrative that blends personal growth with a wry, observational humor about subcultures and fame.
Birth Year features a notable trio in the lead cast, with Eldar Kalimulin, Yura Borisov, and Anastasia Talyzina delivering performances that capture the quirks and vulnerabilities of their characters. The film is scheduled for a wider release in cinemas later in the year, with a theatrical window set for early November. It is expected to generate discussion about indie filmmaking language, character-driven storytelling, and the balance between intimate performances and broader social commentary within contemporary Russian cinema.
The Mayak festival is organized under the auspices of the Kinoprime Foundation for the Advancement of Contemporary Cinema. The event will unfold in Gelendzhik, bringing together filmmakers, critics, and audiences from across Russia and neighboring regions. The festival dates mark a compact, festival-going experience that runs from early October through midweek, offering a curated program that includes feature films, short formats, and discussions aimed at fostering dialogue about film art and industry trends in the country today.
During the program, attendees can anticipate further programmatic pieces that explore a range of themes tied to current society, culture, and the evolving documentary and narrative forms. The festival’s programming team emphasizes a mix of established talents and emerging voices, ensuring there are entries that resonate with longtime cinema fans as well as viewers seeking fresh storytelling approaches. The overall aim is to create a space where cinematic voices can connect with audiences in meaningful ways, with post-screening conversations and Q&A sessions extending the life of each screening beyond the credits.
Additionally, there is mention of a short film related to a beloved character, Cheburashka, which signals the festival’s willingness to explore a variety of genres and tones. Such inclusions illustrate Mayak’s broader approach to taste, audience engagement, and the celebration of Russian animation heritage alongside live-action productions.
In related industry notes, a recent deal saw Mars Media acquiring rights to a Russian adaptation of a project titled Vyshka. This development reflects the ongoing activity in the Russian film market, where studios and production companies negotiate adaptations and international collaborations. The acquisition signals ongoing investment in homegrown storytelling, with expectations for similar projects to surface during festival season and throughout the year as the industry adapts to changing distribution landscapes and audience preferences.
As Mayak prepares to welcome cinema professionals and fans, the program is positioned to highlight the vitality of contemporary Russian cinema on a regional stage. The festival’s blend of new voices, thoughtful adaptations, and culturally resonant material offers a platform for discovering the next generation of filmmakers while honoring the country’s rich documentary and narrative traditions. The October gathering is set to become a focal point for conversations about film craft, regional storytelling, and the evolving relationship between cinema and its audience on the Black Sea coast.