Experimenting and coming up with stories that connect young people with cinema, as well as analyzing already made films, the Youth Film Day was held. So why did they want to participate in the first place? Youth Film Day participant Bella Bangiere says: “I personally plan to do something with films in the future, and then I think of coming to such events, getting to know people who will probably do it in the future as well. Also just having fun.”
“I think it’s a cool event, why not, new opportunities… For me, this is more like a hobby, I’m just interested in watching movies,” admits Monta Jeske.
On the other hand, Elīza Lipšane participates because she is simply interested in cinema, the entire industry and how it happens: “The whole process of filming.”
“I would also like to connect my future with films, cinema, I really like cinema,” said Adria Ovčinnikova.
Sofia Sviatoch also came to meet and learn: “Actually, I think it would be very interesting to see some information about films, how young people get involved in it, because I would like to participate somehow when I grow up. That’s why I wanted to know more information. I would like to be an actress…”
Adrija Ovčinnikova admits that everyone’s taste is different: “I believe that if, for example, contests were made only by looking at professionals who might understand these films, then maybe it would not be so correct, because each person feels the film differently, even if you don’t understand the theory and all the physics behind it.”
Event leader Stanislavs Tokalovs says on the Film Day of the European Film Academy: “I don’t think that cinema is such a solitary type. Of course, we can show the example of Ginta Zilbalodi, a film that is such a lonely journey, but cinema in general is such a big process where you should be those contacts.
Even if a young person wants to make a film, you have to find someone who is ready to do it with you.”
“(..) There are rare moments when you flourish, when you realize that there are other people who are also interested in such strange things as you are. That’s why such events are also necessary,” adds Tokalov.
The head of the National Cinema Center, Dita Rietuma, emphasizes that this is a very important initiative of the European Film Academy: “That is, both to emphasize the values of European cinema, the values of European films, and also to educate the young audience. Of course, the basic problem of European cinema is probably the distance between and the cultural values offered by European cinema and the young viewers who often live in virtual reality, Instagram, Tiktok and other such ways in the world.”
Brian Martinson, a participant of the Youth Film Day in previous years, says: “I think, for this whole community, which is European cinema, the European Film Club, which I am also a part of, [kopīgs] is that it opens the view to the fact that there is European cinema and there are young people in European cinema. Of course, all the time in the media and cinema, it is mostly either local or American or British, for example, cinema. Rarely does something come from Europe that you wouldn’t otherwise see. Just being aware that something like this exists is such a step into the wider world. And for some, it’s simply meeting new people here, meeting like-minded people, being able to see a film that they wouldn’t see otherwise, and finding a new interest, a new worldview, a new language.”
What else should young film enthusiasts and potential filmmakers consider going forward?
Director Stanislav Tokalov notes: “Even though we have a film event, I would say read books more. Because it develops imagination and will also help you make movies much better.
Road words, which is the way to get to the result very quickly: read books and develop your imagination, where all those movies are happening in your head.
So that you can then just transfer them… practically. I think these are strange road words and recommendations at a film event, but – to read books, yes.”
Youth Film Day: A Cinematic Convergence of Young Minds
Ah, the intricacies of youth and their inexhaustible passion for cinema! It’s like a never-ending buffet of celluloid dreams, isn’t it? Recently, a sparkling event known as the Youth Film Day was held, where bright young souls gathered to forge connections between their dreams of filmmaking and the comforting glow of the cinema screen. It’s compelling stuff, like watching toddlers with a jar of Nutella—enthusiasm and chaos in equal measure!
Bella Bangiere, a hopeful participant, nailed it when she remarked about her desire to pursue something in film: “I think of coming to such events, getting to know people who will probably do it in the future as well. Also, just having fun.” And isn’t that the real essence of youth? If you’re not having a blast while plotting your future, are you even living? It’s a party where everyone’s trying to compete in the “who can impress the most with movie quotes” multiplayer game!
Monta Jeske gave us a glimpse into the more casual side of the event, saying, “I think it’s a cool event, why not, new opportunities… For me, this is more like a hobby, I’m just interested in watching movies.” Ah yes, the classic tale of the enthusiastic viewer, possibly hoping to one day graduate from watching Star Wars alone in their bedroom to lighting up the big screen themselves. They say hobbies keep you young—but let’s hope her love for film doesn’t involve a fascination with subpar rom-coms.
Elīza Lipšane, meanwhile, took a more studious approach, sharing her interest in the entire filming process. “The whole process of filming.” Simple, yet profound—like trying to summarize the plot of Inception in a single sentence. And here we thought we were just going to sit around and quote movies! But no, she’s actually interested in the laborious details of it all, like how many take after takes it takes to get that perfect shot. I suppose when you’re young and idealistic, the magic of the industry hasn’t quite worn off yet!
Adria Ovčinnikova echoed the aspirations of many and expressed her dreams of connecting her future with cinema: “I really like cinema.” Lastly, we mustn’t forget Sofia Sviatoch, who, with a sparkle in her eye, voiced her desire to learn more about the filmmaking process. “I’d like to be an actress… ”—which, in the ever-competitive world of acting, might as well translate to: “I want to live in a world of glamour, drama, and occasional existential crises!”
“I believe that if, for example, contests were made only by looking at professionals who might understand these films, then maybe it would not be so correct, because each person feels the film differently.” – Adrija Ovčinnikova
Ah, Adrija! You’ve hit the nail on the head. Each viewer is indeed like a unique snowflake, possibly experiencing a total meltdown over a film that didn’t sit well with them. But what’s artistry without a bit of personal bias? If cinema weren’t subjective, half of us wouldn’t be debating the merits of The Room at 2 AM!
Then comes the event leader, Stanislavs Tokalovs, reminding us that cinema isn’t merely a solitary pursuit. “Even if a young person wants to make a film, you have to find someone who is ready to do it with you.” Ah, proximity! The age-old adage of ‘It takes a village to raise a filmmaker’—or at least a YouTube channel, right? Collaboration is key, folks—unless, of course, you want to spend all your time talking to an imaginary friend about your screenplay.
“There are rare moments when you flourish, when you realize that there are other people who are also interested in such strange things as you are.” – Stanislavs Tokalovs
Thank the cinematic heavens for events like this that bring together kindred souls! And let’s not overlook the National Cinema Center’s Dita Rietuma. She’s got a good point about the struggle between European cinema and the onslaught of virtual escapism prevalent among young viewers today. “The cultural values offered by European cinema and the young viewers who often live in virtual reality…” – Ah, the irony of trying to appreciate the depth of European films while your attention span is busy navigating TikTok dances.
Brian Martinson chimed in with his experience, remarking on how such events help broaden perspectives about European cinema. “Just being aware that something like this exists is such a step into the wider world.” Yes, Brian! Let’s break those bounds of local and Hollywood cinema, and discover what lies beyond the ocean of superhero movies. Perhaps an emotional documentary on the everyday struggles of a cheese roulette maker?
And what advice do our illustrious directors have for burgeoning filmmakers? Stanislav Tokalov suggests readers tap into the literary world: “Even though we have a film event, I would say read books more. Because it develops imagination…” Oh, how dreamily ironic—advice at a film event that involves reading! But seriously, the more you know, the more you grow, and the fancier your film vocabulary becomes.
“Read books and develop your imagination, where all those movies are happening in your head.” – Stanislav Tokalov
In short: pick up that classic novel, or even a light-hearted comic, and let your creativity flourish! If the future of cinema lies within these enthusiastic young minds, we’re looking forward to a revolution of storytelling, humor, and yes, a few cringe-worthy moments of artistic expression.
So here’s to the Youth Film Day! May it inspire the next generation of filmmakers, actors, and screenwriters to take bold steps beyond the familiar realms of Hollywood—and perhaps serve us all a delightful slice of European cinematic flavor!
The Youth Film Day recently took place, focusing on engaging young minds with the world of cinema through both creative storytelling and critical film analysis. Participants were drawn to this vibrant event for various reasons, as Bella Bangiere, a keen attendee, shared, “I personally plan to do something with films in the future, and then I think of coming to such events, getting to know people who will probably do it in the future as well. Also just having fun.” Her enthusiasm reflects a broader aspiration among youth to forge connections in the film industry.
For Monta Jeske, the event is all about discovery: “I think it’s a cool event, why not, new opportunities… For me, this is more like a hobby, I’m just interested in watching movies,” revealing her passion for cinema and the enjoyment it brings. Meanwhile, Elīza Lipšane is captivated by the filmmaking process itself, noting, “The whole process of filming.” Her curiosity emphasizes the intricate art that goes behind each cinematic experience.
Many participants, including Adria Ovčinnikova, are considering careers in film, stating, “I would also like to connect my future with films, cinema, I really like cinema.” This common goal of aligning future ambitions with passion underscores the significance of such events in nurturing young talent. Sofia Sviatoch articulated a desire to learn, explaining, “Actually, I think it would be very interesting to see some information about films, how young people get involved in it, because I would like to participate somehow when I grow up. That’s why I wanted to know more information. I would like to be an actress…” highlighting the aspirations of aspiring performers in the industry.
Adrija Ovčinnikova also addresses the subjective nature of film appreciation, stating, “I believe that if, for example, contests were made only by looking at professionals who might understand these films, then maybe it would not be so correct, because each person feels the film differently, even if you don’t understand the theory and all the physics behind it.” This perspective captures the diverse reactions to cinema felt by audiences and critics alike.
Event leader Stanislavs Tokalovs elaborated on the collaborative essence of cinema during the Film Day of the European Film Academy: “I don’t think that cinema is such a solitary type. Of course, we can show the example of Ginta Zilbalodi, a film that is such a lonely journey, but cinema in general is such a big process where you should be those contacts.” He stresses the importance of networking in filmmaking, emphasizing that “even if a young person wants to make a film, you have to find someone who is ready to do it with you.”
“(..) There are rare moments when you flourish, when you realize that there are other people who are also interested in such strange things as you are. That’s why such events are also necessary,” adds Tokalov, capturing the essence of community-building that these gatherings foster.
Dita Rietuma, head of the National Cinema Center, highlighted the initiative’s crucial role within the European Film Academy: “That is, both to emphasize the values of European cinema, the values of European films, and also to educate the young audience. Of course, the basic problem of European cinema is probably the distance between the cultural values offered by European cinema and the young viewers who often live in virtual reality, Instagram, TikTok and other such ways in the world.”
Brian Martinson, a former participant of Youth Film Day, shared his experience, stating, “I think, for this whole community, which is European cinema, the European Film Club, which I am also a part of, [kopīgs] is that it opens the view to the fact that there is European cinema and there are young people in European cinema. Of course, all the time in the media and cinema, it is mostly either local or American or British, for example, cinema. Rarely does something come from Europe that you wouldn’t otherwise see. Just being aware that something like this exists is such a step into the wider world. And for some, it’s simply meeting new people here, meeting like-minded people, being able to see a film that they wouldn’t see otherwise, and finding a new interest, a new worldview, a new language.”
Looking ahead, aspiring filmmakers have valuable advice to consider. Director Stanislav Tokalov noted, “Even though we have a film event, I would say read books more. Because it develops imagination and will also help you make movies much better.” His intriguing suggestion emphasizes the importance of broadening one’s creative horizons.
Road words, which is the way to get to the result very quickly: read books and develop your imagination, where all those movies are happening in your head.
This emphasis on reading serves as a profound reminder that nurturing a rich imagination through literature can significantly enhance the filmmaking process, as Tokalov suggests that participants should embrace books as a vital tool to carry their cinematic visions into reality.
And the virtual escapism that many young viewers gravitate towards in today’s digital age.” This balances the need for cultural engagement with the reality of modern media consumption habits.
Brian Martinson echoed Rietuma’s sentiments about broadening horizons: “Just being aware that something like this exists is such a step into the wider world.” Such awareness, as he points out, can pave the way for young audiences to appreciate not just the blockbuster hits that dominate theaters but also the creativity and depth found in independent and European films.
When it comes to advice for aspiring filmmakers, Stanislavs Tokalovs offers invaluable insights: “Even though we have a film event, I would say read books more. Because it develops imagination…” His suggestion underlines the connection between reading and filmmaking, encouraging young creators to draw inspiration from diverse sources. The emphasis on fostering imagination aligns closely with the continuous evolution of storytelling in film, where the greatest stories often emerge from well-informed narrative foundations.
the Youth Film Day emerged as a vibrant celebration of cinematic exploration, fostering community, creativity, and critical thinking among young enthusiasts. As participants shared their visions and aspirations, the event served as a reminder of the rich tapestry of film—an art form shaped by diverse perspectives and collective efforts. Through events like these, the future of cinema appears bright, invigorated by fresh voices ready to challenge conventions and tell new stories. Here’s hoping that in years to come, we’ll see the fruits of this enthusiasm reflected on the big screen, with young filmmakers boldly stepping beyond familiar narratives and exploring the vast landscape of human experience.
