Presidential Library hosted screening of the documentary "Donors of Besieged Leningrad" and round table "Donors of Hope"

On July 8th, 2024 at the Presidential Library as part of the Public Socio-Cultural Program I Believe in My People a public screening and discussion of the new documentary Donors of Besieged Leningrad and a roundtable on the topic of Donors of Hope were held.

The aim of these events is to raise awareness of the importance of the institution of donation as a significant aspect of human nature and to extend gratitude to those who voluntarily donate their blood, saving lives both during the challenging years of the siege and in the present day.

The event is organized by the Fund of Social Initiatives "Peaceful People", together with the Giraffe Film Studio, the Public Organization "Residents of Besieged Leningrad", with the support of the Public Chamber of St. Petersburg, the Piskarev Memorial, the St. Petersburg State Institute of Psychology and Social Work, and other state, public, and national organizations.

Yuri Nosov, Director General of the Presidential Library, noted that the event was held on the occasion of the Day of Family, Love, and Faithfulness, and in the year marking the 80th anniversary of the full liberation of Leningrad from Nazi Siege. He highlighted that the Presidential Library places a great emphasis on the topic of the siege. Every year, the library organizes events of various formats commemorating this tragic period in our nation's history. Currently, the exhibition halls of the Presidential Library are hosting the exhibition Memory of Generations, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of relief of the Nazi siege of Leningrad.

Elena Tikhomirova, chairman of the Public Organization Residents of Besieged Leningrad, delivered a welcoming address. Olga Shulgina, director of Giraffe Film Studios, shared the story behind the creation of the documentary film Donors of Besieged Leningrad.

After watching the film, there was a discussion, and the audience had the opportunity to ask questions about the movie to the filmmakers. During the event, the sculptor Alexander Chernoshchekov presented a model of his monument "Blockade Donor" to the Presidential Library.

After the screening of the film, a roundtable discussion titled Donors of Hope was held to discuss the development and future of donation in contemporary society. The event was hosted by Anna Zagrebneva, an actress and head of educational and cultural activities at the Piskarevsky Memorial Park.

During the roundtable, participants discussed the importance of donations in helping those in need and the challenges that donors face in today's world. The film Donors of Besieged Leningrad was also discussed, and it was announced that the film will be added to the collection of the Presidential Library.

A recording of the roundtable discussion is available on the Library's RuTube channel.