Din 2021, Zhana Kalinova este programator al competițiilor internaționale și balcanice din cadrul Festivalului Internațional de Film de la Sofia, unde îndeplinește și funcția de șef al Departamentului de invitați și asistent al directorului festivalului. În calitate de reprezentantă a festivalului bulgar, ea este, de asemenea, curatoare pentru Festivalul Internațional Film O’Clock, care se desfășoară simultan în șapte țări. În 2021, Zhana a fost onorată să fie membră a juriului pentru secțiunea Giornate degli Auttori a Festivalului Internațional de Film de la Veneția, iar în 2022 a fost numită jurat la Festivalul Internațional de Scurtmetraj Lisboeta. A făcut parte din echipa de producție ca unul dintre cei trei coordonatori de nominalizări ai Premiilor Filmului European de la Reykjavik, organizate de Academia Europeană de Film. În ciuda implicării sale extinse în alte festivaluri de film, inclusiv Festivalul Internațional de Film de la Berlin și Lichter Filmfest Frankfurt International, Zhana a fost implicată activ ca producător de film independent, în timp ce se afla în Portugalia. Munca ei a combinat abordarea internațională a regizorilor străini cu talentul local al echipei și al distribuției. Datorită cunoștințelor sale vaste despre festivalurile de film, în prezent, ea este foarte des solicitată atunci când este nevoie de strategii de festival pentru producții în curs de dezvoltare.
De curând, a devenit parte a cunoscutei companii Coproduction Office ca stagiar de Festivaluri și Achiziții, unde a lucrat în paralel cu sarcini de producție a unor proiecte viitoare. Printre cele mai cunoscute lucrări ale companiei se numără TRIANGLE OF SADNESS și THE SQUARE de Ruben Östlund, CLUB ZERO de Jessica Hausner, AURORA de Cristi Puiu, precum și TENDER SON: THE FRANKENSTEIN PROJECT, DELTA și PLEASANT DAYS de Kornél Mundruczó. Are un masterat în Managementul artei și culturii și o licență în Teatru, Cinema și Studii media cu disciplina subsidiară Administrarea afacerilor.
Zhana este o tânără aspirantă la o carieră în industria cinematografică. În calitate de cineast, ea consideră că susținerea cinematografiei ca formă de artă și protejarea acesteia de subcultura mainstream reprezintă una dintre cele mai importante valori.
The Hat from “My journey to Romania – Letter from Timișoara”
In the face of losing a beloved person, one often seeks various ways of keeping them alive. When inheriting the hat, Christoffer has beautifully preserved the spirit of his father. Moreover, he dedicated himself to creating a movie, delving into the exploration of his father’s legacy. This theme, coupled with its narrative, offers a profound exploration of generation bonds and cultural intersections. This precious relic from another time invites you to explore the landscape of memory and discovery, by laying a rich tapestry of stories waiting to be unveiled. The Hat stand as a living testament to the silent dialogue between generations, sustained trough the visual medium.
For Gheorghe and his family, the art of photography does not limit itself down to a profession category, it is a cherished tradition being passed down the family’s veins. Gheorghe has carefully followed his mother’s footsteps in dedicating himself to the process of playing with light and shadow. The beauty lies in the passion for capturing moments, which differs depending on preferences of each family member- from family portraits to extreme sports. You are being asked to join Gheorghe family’s remarkable journey as they inspire you to history not only through photos but through the captivating language of this tripod.
Alina’s curious eye has led her to use her photo camera to not only witness, but also capture the magic of film production sets and behind the scenes moments around the world. A cinematic odyssey becomes clear via the usage marks on the camera’s case, which speaks of authenticity and dedication. During the dynamic era of the 1990s, this photo camera served Alina more than just a tool; it became one with its owner in becoming a storyteller. Unravelling the intimate lives of actors and the secrets behind cinema’s magic, the photographer managed to narrative a slightly different everyday life. Alina’s story is a proof of a symbiotic relationship between her as a photographer, her lens, and the world of cinema.
Step into the intersection of cinematic history and musical enchantment as we unveil the AMPRO film projector—a treasured possession given a second life by Bogdan. This exhibit, incorporating with the tales of generations, narrates a captivating story rooted in the passion of Bogdan’s great-grandfather. Being a dedicated cinema employee, he transcended the boundaries of his professional life and during his free time he would still be immersed into the cinematic realm. Bogdan’s grand-father seems to have spent numerous occasions of sharing the truly authentic experience of seeing a silent film, being accompanied by piano rhythm. Creating a symphony of memories, the film projector carries the love for film and music for the ones who want to listen and see.
Dana’s visual story provides a getaway from the ordinary paparazzi photography and offers a glimpse into the classy world where the golden age of cinema comes alive. These photographs, far more than mere portraits, encapsulate the personal journey of a soul immersed with the timeless characteristics of the big screen. Dana’s collection traces its origin to childhood, where images of stars like Kim Novak, Marilù Tolo, and Jean Marais have lit the sparks of her passion for cinema. Each portrait serves as a portal, transporting you to an era of elegance and cinematic charm. It is furthermore an exploration of gratitude towards the luminaries who became her muses. These pictures are not static moments frozen in time; they are dynamic tales, each capturing Dana’s profound connection to cinema. This correlation between personal storytelling and the elegance of each star proves the impact of cinematic legends on society and their encouraging power.
Mihaela’s cinematic pursuit became a living proof of the strong influence of childhood experiences. The old pick-up, once a vessel for storytelling, has become a symbolic bridge, connecting the realms of memory and modernity. It is one that links Mihaela’s earliest fascination with narratives to her present-day endeavors, showcasing the timeless power of stories to shape and inspire across generations. This seamless continuity between past and present exemplifies the strong connection between Mihaela and her grandmother. The imagination is limitless, especially when it is provided food for thought. Cinema is namely this imagination and the power of stories to transcend borders and connect numerous people around the world.