Orlyonok – Belarus Teleconference: Creativity, Memory, Friendship

A recent teleconference between the All-Russian Children’s Center «Orlyonok» and representatives of Belarus became a shining example of how creativity, memory, and joint initiatives unite generations and nations. The main goal of the event was to screen the films of the winners of the «No Statute of Limitations: Unconquered» competition. Among them, the work of young archivists from Molodechno, Polina Prostakova and German Rozhok, attracted particular attention. Their film «Ashes of Childhood», dedicated to the Khatyn tragedy, won the Grand Prix and resonated deeply with viewers.

The young people are currently on a media shift at Orlyonok, where, in an atmosphere of creativity and inspiration, they continue their mission to convey the truth about the Great Patriotic War. During the teleconference, they conveyed greetings to their fellow countrymen and discussed the importance of preserving historical memory through media creativity. Students from Schools Nos. 9 and 14 in Molodechno showed particular interest in the event in Belarus. Their online counterparts were peers whose work also won awards, but this time as part of a media marathon held in March at the initiative of the Boomerang International Public Organization (IPO) and the Department of Archives and Records Management of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Belarus.

Speakers of the teleconference:

– Rimma Moiseyeva, Honorary Archivist of the Russian Federation. She noted that children are incredibly talented, and it is in their creative spirit that powerful, poignant works are born, capable of touching the hearts of viewers.

– Natalya Vasilyeva, Director of the Boomerang International Public Organization (IPO). She shared impressive statistics: over 20 years, more than 600 video works have been created as part of the forum, each a contribution to the preservation of historical memory.

– Inna Pudakevich, Director of the Zonal State Archives in Molodechno.In her speech, she thanked the organizers for their high praise for the Molodechno schoolchildren’s work and expressed pride in the opportunity to represent Belarus at the All-Russian venue. She said it was both an honor and a responsibility to walk the red carpet alongside media leaders whose work has been recognized as national treasures of both countries and will be included in the Film Almanac. She also noted that the students were delighted to immerse themselves in the vibrant creative atmosphere of «Orlyonok» and join the important mission of preserving historical truth.

«Whether these students will become future directors, screenwriters, cameramen, or creative figures in the media industry remains unknown», Inna Zenonovna said, «but they have already become patriots of their country. And they will undoubtedly pass on their love for their homeland to the next generation».

The teleconference took place in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding, becoming a symbol of how the youth of both countries can unite around shared values. Such initiatives are shaping a new generation—one attentive to the past, open to dialogue, and ready to build a world based on memory and respect. In addition to young archivists Polina Prostakova and German Rozhok, Orlyonok also includes two other representatives from Molodechno — Daria Borovskaya and Daria Dylevskaya. Their work took second place in the competition. Currently, Molodechno students (from schools Nos. 9 and 14) are actively engaged in post-production and creating social videos based on archival footage. The best works of the shift will be announced on September 27. The online broadcast will be available in the Boomerang group on VK.

1-2. During the forum opening

3-7. During filming with the curators

8. Teleconference

9. On the red carpet