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

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

      In the project, more than 3,000 people participated — entry to all events was free, which made art and culture maximally accessible to everyone interested. Additionally, throughout the week, in educational institutions of Stavropol, within the framework of the "Conversation about Important Matters" section, classes dedicated to the memory of Stanislav Sergeyevich were held, 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 Film Studio "Vertical," and the Film Concern "Mosfilm."

      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 the Deputy Head of the Administration of the resort city of Zheleznovodsk Anna Shumkina, the Head of the Culture Department of the Administration of the resort city of Zheleznovodsk Elena Shapovalova, the President of the Center for Film Festivals and International Programs, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Tatyana Shumova, the Director of LLC "KinoFocus" Irina Borisova, composer Artem Vasilyev, and film director Olga Belyaeva. Journalists were introduced to the main events and the program of the film festival, as well as learned about other stages of the project's implementation.

      In the Pushkin Gallery, which Stanislav Sergeyevich was directly involved in restoring, a photo exhibition dedicated to the 90th anniversary of his birth was opened. This exhibition attracted great interest from 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" (hosted by Olga Belyaeva) and "How a Script Sounds" (hosted by Artem Vasilyev). It is noteworthy that the master classes attracted an interested audience: participants from theater studios, cinema specialists from Pyatigorsk, Lermontov, Yessentuki, Kislovodsk, Mineralnye Vody, Georgievsk, and other cities of Stavropol.

      A creative meeting titled "Stanislav Govorukhin — a Man of the Era" was also held vividly and informatively. Hosts Olga Belyaeva and Artem Vasilyev shared memories of their collaboration with the great master, showed excerpts from Stanislav Sergeyevich's films, and recounted interesting cases and amusing stories from the filming set. The moderator of the meeting was the President of the Center for Film Festivals and International Programs, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation, Tatyana Shumova. 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 that bears his name, 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 Film Studio "Vertical," and the Film Concern "Mosfilm" were also presented in cultural institutions of the Stepnov municipal district: "Not by Bread Alone," "Bless the Woman," "Voroshlov Marksman," "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 film festival "Movement Vertically," 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, in 2026 it will take place in the Moscow, Kaluga, and Vologda regions. 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 the Celebration of the 90th Anniversary of the Birth of S.S. Govorukhin."

      The three-year experience of holding the film festival "Movement Vertically" 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 educational events of the festival — master classes, discussions, film screenings, round tables, and creative meetings — are aimed at fostering in the youth a sense of patriotism and pride for their country. They demonstrate that supporting young 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.