I have been attending the festival for three years now, and each time it is a fantastic experience. Huge thanks to the organizers. I can’t wait to see what surprises await us next year.

I really enjoyed the [festival] lab. Both theoretical and practical aspects were well thought out. The speakers were interesting, and the Lab provided a great environment for developing my own project, as it allowed interaction with scientists and directors simultaneously.

I was a participant in the experimental lab in St. Petersburg. I would like to express my deep gratitude to all the curators, lecturers, and museum staff. It was a wonderful enriching experience—a practice-oriented lab that provided insight into museum life and helped me connect with like-minded people for future projects. Thank you.

This year, I was fortunate to participate in the Research Cinema Lab at the World of Knowledge festival for the second time. My previous experience gave me valuable insights into how to best present a film project at a pitch session. This time, the program was even more in-depth, involving museum visits in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region, selecting and formulating themes for future films with experts. We shared our findings and creative insights with our curator, Masha Chernaya, who was deeply engaged in each idea. She immediately created a welcoming atmosphere, structured the introduction session in a fun and engaging way, and always provided thoughtful advice.
We had many hands-on activities—the most memorable was our day exploring the city, where we gathered in a pre-arranged location and then split into teams to film and analyze “artifacts.” It was also crucial to discuss our work with strangers, gaining fresh perspectives. The next day, we watched and analyzed new discoveries, drawing parallels and marveling at how many stories are just waiting to be told.

The culmination of the Lab was a training pitch session, where we presented our film projects to experts and festival organizers in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Over the following month, participants refined their ideas and consulted with curators online. And on the final day, in Lenfilm Studios, our debut films were reviewed by experienced producers. It was nerve-wracking yet comfortable, as the experts highlighted weak points, offered promotion advice, and even extended their support. Many of us exchanged contacts with producers, formed valuable connections, and most importantly, realized how crucial it is to present our ideas clearly and concisely.

For me, the most valuable part is that our section continues its work—participants submit their projects to film competitions, curators share information about relevant grant programs, and discussions about projects continue. Thank you to the festival’s Lab, World of Knowledge, and all the organizers.