The cultural capital of Belarus-2010, Polotsk, unveils a bust of the founder of Belarusian cinema, Yuri Tarich

May 28, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Polotsk, the cultural capital of Belarus in 2010, continues a series of festive events dedicated to its 1148th anniversary. Today is dedicated to Yuri Tarich, a native of Polotsk and the founder of Belarusian cinema, the Polotsk City Executive Committee told a BELTA correspondent. Yuri Tarich (Alekseev) entered the film industry in the early 1920s. In 1926, he directed the first Belarusian feature film "Forest Tale," and during the Great Patriotic War, he filmed combat newsreels. Polotsk continues the good tradition of immortalizing the memory of its famous sons, and today a bust of the film director will be solemnly unveiled at the Rodina Cinema and Video Center. Another highlight of today's festive marathon will be the annual parade of graduates from secondary and basic schools and the last bell ceremony. In the evening, the St. Sophia Cathedral will invite classical music lovers to another encounter with beauty: the symphony orchestra of the National Academic Grand Opera and Ballet Theatre of the Republic of Belarus will say "Vivats, Strauss!". The culmination of the two-week celebrations will be the upcoming weekend. Following tradition, a procession of representatives of labor collectives will open the festive ceremony "Polotsk - 1148!", after which the city's central square will turn into a huge concert venue. It will host the children's festival "Happy Birthday, Polotsk!", a parade of orchestras from military units of the Border Guard Service of the Republic of Belarus, a concert by the honored collective of the Republic of Belarus, the State Dance Ensemble, and a gala concert of the winners of the city song contest with the participation of the ensemble "Belarusian Pesnyary". Near the improvised stage, folk craftsmen will showcase their skills. Blacksmiths, potters, and woodcarvers from the city of Ludza (Latvia) will give master classes. Saturday will conclude with a beautiful fireworks display and a dance show. On Sunday, the city will feature trade fairs and fun attractions for its young residents. -0-