The Moscow choreographic group “Kalinka” enchants the Draa Valley
The audience of the Zagora International Trans-Saharan Film Festival was treated, on Monday evening, to a beautiful choreographic show, delivered by the Moscow children’s folk group “Kalinka” on the occasion of the opening of the ball of the 18th edition of this cinematographic and cultural event.
With an unequaled talent, great freedom of gesture and harmonious interaction with the audience, the Russian group masterfully delivered choreographic scenes associated with vibrant melodies and sounds with oriental and European influences to the great delight of a captivated audience.
The group composed of 10 boys and girls made hearts and bodies vibrate during a high-quality performance combining elegance and virtuosity that earned them a long standing ovation from the audience.
Created by Alexander Filippov in 1968, Moscow’s “Kalinka”, one of the most famous children’s groups in Russia, continues to captivate its many fans around the world today.
The ensemble’s repertoire includes over 150 choreographic performances illustrating the dance traditions of the peoples of Russia and around the world, as well as sports, military, modern and fairytale dances.
The opening ceremony of this edition, of which Russia is the guest of honor, was also punctuated by the performance of Russian musician and composer Marat Taturas, who carried the audience into the world of electronic resonances.
Author of soundtracks for over 150 films, Taturas is also a publisher, producer and expert in the field of creation and licensing of film and video music.
In a statement to the press, Mr. Taturas said he was “happy” to have participated in the opening ceremony of this festival, stating that the beauty of the natural landscapes of the Draa Valley region inspired him to launch his musical project with the fascinating scenery of the desert as a backdrop.
Organized by the Trans-Saharan Film Association of Zagora, the festival, which includes among its objectives the cultural, social, economic and tourist promotion of the region, was designed with a view to corroborating the efforts of the various parties in order to ensure greater cultural and tourist influence in the region and to convey the values of tolerance, openness and diversity.
Several countries are represented in the four official competitions scheduled for this edition: “Feature Film”, “Short Film”, “Documentary Film” and “Best Screenplay”.
The organizers have concocted a rich and varied program for this edition, whose jury is chaired by Indian director Anup Singh. In addition to the official competitions, the menu also includes round tables dealing with topics related to trans-Saharan cinema, thematic workshops, the screening of films out of competition and several other activities.