The Belarusian Filmmakers Network (BFN) is launching a new series of live streams BFN: LIVE — an open space for dialogue, education, and connection among those working in (or dreaming about) Belarusian cinema. The series is hosted by director and producer Yauhen Lytkin.

Each episode will explore timely and essential topics:
how crowdfunding works, what industry labs are for, how to get into festivals, where to find funding, why inclusion matters in cinema, and what Belarusian film could look like in 10 years.

“We want these streams to be more than just a source of information — we hope they become a shared space for learning, exchange, and inspiration,” — BFN team.

🔴 First Episode — Coming August 6!

Topic: Artificial Intelligence in Cinema: Tool, Challenge or Threat?

Joining Yauhen Lytkin in this first conversation:

• 🎤 Vlad Kruk — Co-founder of AI25.studio, expert in AI-powered video production;
• 🎤 Andrey Palupanau — director, producer, cinematographer, composer, and coach.

Together, they’ll discuss how AI is already reshaping the film industry — and what it means for Belarusian creators.

🔴 Second Episode - How to Monetize Creativity: Crowdfunding for Film Projects

In this session, Yauhen Lytkin is joined by:

🎤 Alexandar Charnukho — journalist, writer, author of the YouTube project “Ministry of Sepulture”;
🎤 Liza Chernik — director and co-founder of Sort of Cinema.

The conversation focuses on crowdfunding as a real tool for filmmakers — from launching campaigns to building trust with an audience and keeping creative control without major funding.

🔴 Third Episode— The Magic of Sound in Cinema

This episode brings together professionals working with sound:

🎤 Anastasia Petsevich — sound designer and post-production audio engineer;
🎤 Dmitry Friga — composer and sound engineer;
🎤 Yauhen Lytkin — director and host.

They break down how sound shapes perception, why it often carries more emotional weight than visuals, and what makes audio truly cinematic.

🔴 Fourth Episode — Genre vs Festival Cinema

Yauhen Lytkin talks with:

🎤 Andrey Kashpersky — director, screenwriter, showrunner;
🎤 Leanid Kalitsenia — producer.

The discussion explores the tension between audience-driven genre films and festival-oriented cinema — and whether filmmakers really have to choose between the two.

🔴 Fifth Episode — Casting in Europe and Belarus

Featuring:

🎤 Nella Aghrenich — director, screenwriter, actress;
🎤 Volha Travkina — casting director, CEO of Casting Hub.

This episode dives into how casting decisions are made, what directors look for in actors, and how the process differs across countries.

🔴 Sixth Episode— Microbudget Filmmaking

With:

🎤 Vladimir Kozlov — writer, director, and screenwriter;
🎤 Alexander Gorodko — producer and director.

A practical discussion on making films with limited resources, including real-world examples of microbudget projects and why this approach is becoming increasingly relevant today.

🔴 Seventh Episode — From Belarus to the Global Film Industry

Featuring:

🎤 Darya Zhuk — director, screenwriter, producer;
🎤 Andrey Palupanau — director, producer, cinematographer;
🎤 Yauhen Lytkin — host.

The discussion centers on building an international career and navigating opportunities in the global film industry.

🔴 Eighth Episode—  AI and the Future of Author Cinema

With:

🎤 Vladimir Kozlov — writer, journalist, and filmmaker;
🎤 Andrey Palupanau — director, producer, cinematographer;
🎤 Yauhen Lytkin — host.

They reflect on how AI can be used as a creative tool and what it means for the future of independent filmmaking and AI-LAB.

🔴 Special Episode — BarCamp+ 2026 and Sustainable Filmmaking

Featuring:

🎤 Yauhen Lytkin — director, producer, host;
🎤 Leanid Kalitsenia — BFN coordinator.

This episode focuses on building sustainable practices in the film community and the role of initiatives like BarCamp+ in supporting filmmakers.

Subscribe to the BFN YouTube Channel to catch future episodes.
New conversations will be released regularly — stay tuned and join the dialogue!