Photos: Valery Mostakov (22/07/2023)
Shukshin Days in Altai is an all-Russian festival in memory of the writer, film director, screenwriter and actor Vasily Shukshin. The largest cultural event in the Altai Territory.
It has been held since 1976 in the village of Srostki, as well as in Biysk, Barnaul and other cities of the region. It is held annually in the summer, so that the final day falls on the Sunday closest to July 25 – the birthday of Shukshin.
History
A year and a half after his death, in April 1976, Vasily Shukshin was posthumously awarded the Lenin Prize “for creative achievements in recent years in cinematography.” Then, in his homeland, an idea arose for an event that could serve to perpetuate the memory of Shukshin, express recognition of his contribution to the development of the literary and cinematic heritage of Russia. The initiative found support from the Altai Writers’ Organization and was eventually approved by a resolution of the Altai Regional Committee of the CPSU.
The first readings were attended by Shukshin’s relatives, fellow villagers, fans of his work and representatives of party organizations. The event took place in Biysk and ended on Mount Piket (Srostki). From the first time, the readings became popular and went beyond the region. In 1980, they acquired official status. In 1986, the readings became a regional event, and in 1999, an all-Russian festival. In 2007, the Shukshin Literary Prize was established, which is awarded every 2 years.
Program
The program of events has expanded over the years: readings, competitions, film festivals, concerts, film screenings, conferences, seminars, sports and other forms. In 1979, the first book trade took place on Mount Piket, which became a popular reason for visiting. In 1983, a folk music festival appeared, and in 1996, a literary prize was created, the first winner of which was A. Rodionov. In 1999, a film festival was held, which since 2008 has been held under the motto “Morality is Truth.” In 2003, a bard song festival was held. In 2004, a monument to Shukshin was unveiled on Mount Piket. In 2008, Shukshin Days included 22 events. In 2011, the Shukshin Heroes Park was opened with 15 wooden sculptures. In 2012, the Teatralnaya Okolitsa festival was held. Traditionally, the program includes a film festival and the Literary Crossroads, a meeting of writers, and the presentation of the Shukshin Literary Prize.
