The first stage of the "Vertical Movement" Film Festival has been completed in the Stavropol Territory.

      From March 23 to 29, 2026, the first stage of the "Vertical Movement" Film Festival, dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding Russian director, politician, and prominent public figure Stanislav Govorukhin, took place in Zheleznovodsk, Kislovodsk, Georgievsk, and the Stepnovsky municipal district of the Stavropol Krai.

      The project involved more than 3,000 people — entry to all events was free, making art and culture as accessible as possible for everyone interested. Additionally, throughout the week, educational institutions in Stavropol held classes as part of the "Conversation about Important Matters" section dedicated to the memory of Stanislav Sergeyevich, who did much for the city of Zheleznovodsk and actively participated in the cultural life of the Caucasian Mineral Waters region. More than 1,600 children and teenagers listened to fascinating stories about the director's life, his films, and learned about his undeniable contribution to Russian culture.

      The film festival was held with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Culture of the Stavropol Krai, and the Administration of the resort city of Zheleznovodsk. The events were organized by: LLC "KinoFocus," the Center for Film Festivals and International Programs, the "Vertical" Film Studio, and the "Mosfilm" Film Concern.

      The project began with a press conference held on March 23 in the conference hall of the City Palace of Culture named after S. Puskevalis. The event was attended by Anna Shumkina, Deputy Head of the Administration of the resort city of Zheleznovodsk, Elena Shapovalova, Head of the Culture Department of the Administration of the resort city of Zheleznovodsk, Tatiana Shumova, President of the Center for Film Festivals and International Programs, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, Irina Borisova, Director of LLC "KinoFocus," composer Artem Vasilyev, and film director Olga Belyaeva. Journalists were introduced to the main events and program of the film festival, as well as learned about other stages of the project's implementation.

      At the Pushkin Gallery, which Stanislav Sergeyevich was directly involved in restoring, a photo exhibition dedicated to the 90th anniversary of his birth opened. This exhibition sparked great interest among the residents and guests of Zheleznovodsk and will last until April 10, 2026.

      On the same day, master classes were held: "How an Image is Born on Screen" (led by Olga Belyaeva) and "How a Script Sounds" (led by Artem Vasilyev). It is noteworthy that an interested audience attended the master classes: participants from theater studios, cinema specialists from Pyatigorsk, Lermontov, Yessentuki, Kislovodsk, Mineralnye Vody, Georgievsk, and other cities in Stavropol.

      A creative meeting titled "Stanislav Govorukhin — A Man of the Era" was also held brightly and informatively. Hosts Olga Belyaeva and Artem Vasilyev shared memories of working with the great master, showed excerpts from Stanislav Sergeyevich's films, and recounted interesting cases and amusing stories from the filming set. The meeting was moderated by Tatiana Shumova, President of the Center for Film Festivals and International Programs, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation. The event concluded with a screening of the great director's film "The End of a Beautiful Era," which was warmly received by the audience.

      The next day, guests and project organizers visited the museum-estate of N.Ya. Yaroshenko in Kislovodsk, the restoration of which was facilitated by Stanislav Govorukhin. Today, a series of events dedicated to the memory of Stanislav Sergeyevich is regularly held at the estate.

      In the last two days of the festival, the following events took place: a memorial evening dedicated to the master, and in the park named after him, a time capsule was laid with a message for future generations. The capsule, which is planned to be opened in fifty years, will be kept under a bronze shield with a bas-relief of the film master's autograph and the honorary citizen of Zheleznovodsk. The ceremony was attended by SVO fighters, youth army members, schoolchildren, students, and admirers of the director's talent.

      "The time capsule will serve as a reminder for descendants of how important it is to preserve cultural heritage. In 50 years, it will inspire readers to new achievements," commented the head of Zheleznovodsk, Evgeny Bakulin.

      As part of the film program of the project in Zheleznovodsk, Kislovodsk, and Georgievsk, films by S.S. Govorukhin, the "Vertical" Film Studio, and the "Mosfilm" Film Concern were also presented in cultural institutions of the Stepnovsky municipal district: "Not by Bread Alone," "Bless the Woman," "The Voroshilov Sharpshooter," "Champagne Splashes," "About the Film and Not Only," "Dangerous Holidays" (dir. O. Belyaeva), and "The Cranes Are Flying" (dir. M. Kalatozov).

      About the film festival:

      The "Vertical Movement" Film Festival, dedicated to the memory of the outstanding director and public figure Stanislav Govorukhin, has been held in Russian regions since 2023. In addition to the Stavropol Krai, it will take place in the Moscow, Kaluga, and Vologda regions in 2026. The film festival has become part of the main plan of events of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the master's birth and is being implemented in accordance with the decree of the President of Russia V.V. Putin No. 65 "On Celebrating the 90th Anniversary of S.S. Govorukhin's Birth."

      The three-year experience of holding the "Vertical Movement" film festival in the republics of Khakassia, Mari El, as well as in the Tula, Moscow, Pskov, and Kaliningrad regions has shown significant public interest and a high level of demand. During this time, more than 70 educational events and over 200 film screenings have taken place, attended by more than 30,000 viewers. The festival's educational events — master classes, discussions, film screenings, round tables, and creative meetings — are aimed at fostering a sense of patriotism and pride in young people for their country. They demonstrate that supporting young people's initiatives in studying national traditions and the history of their native region contributes to the realization of innovative creative projects and the embodiment of new ideas.