Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 4 November (BelTA) - The Listapadzik children and youth film competition helps raise true viewers and film lovers, Belarusian First Deputy Culture Minister Irina Driga noted at the opening of the seventh edition of the competition, BelTA has learned.

“The Listapadzik program features the best movies from across the globe for children and family. These are fascinating and memorable life stories. Some of them make us think, cry or laugh. They help bring up true viewers and film lovers,” Irina Driga said as she spoke to the guests of the opening ceremony.

Vitaly Prigodich, Deputy Chairman of the Education Committee at the Minsk City Hall, wished that children learned something good from the films screened at the festival.

Irina Driga and Vitaly Prigodich cut a film stock as a symbolic act to kick off the competition.

Listapadzik got underway with Timm Thaler by Andreas Dresen (Germany). Interesting fact: Sold Laughter, a two-part movie based on James Kruss’ novel, was directed at the National Film Studio Belarusfilm in 1981.

Arved Friese, the actor who played Tim Thaller, came to Minsk to present the picture. The young artist was impressed with the warm reception in Minsk, the city he is visiting for the first time. During the short stay in Minsk, he expects to learn more about the capital and its citizens.

The Listapadzik children and youth film competition will be running till 7 November. The program includes 10 pictures from Iran, France, Germany, Colombia, and other countries. The jury is chaired by Kai S. Pieck (Germany).