(P) Oscar lights Vama (Vama Sub Lumini de Oscar) – the story behind a unique festival

The Black Sea resort Vama Veche, in Constanta county, will host at the end of August, between 22nd and 31st of the month, the fifth edition, an anniversary one, of the visual arts festival Oscar Lights Vama (Vama Sub Lumini de Oscar - VSLO). The festival promotes the arts of photography, film and painting. The manifestations, offer the passionate the possibility to participate to exhibitions,

and movie projections in preview, but also tacking part to workshops and specialization classes held by national and international famous artists.

The unique feature of the VSLO is that it is the first festival in Romania which offers enthusiasts the possibility to participate, free of charge, to 10 days of specialized classes in the photography, film and painting techniques, to tens of exhibitions of photography and painting. Also, it is the only festival where 14 photography and 5 film workshops, photo and movies projections, as well as theory classes take place simultaneously.

Having in mind such rare characteristics, we’ve asked Catalin Rudolf, director of the VSLO Festival to tell us more about the story behind the festival.

“

The idea of organizing a festival came from an invitation, five years ago, of holding a two days photography workshop within the music festival in Vama Veche, Stufstock. From that moment on, we became unstoppable. We’ve transformed a two days seminar into six workshops which took place within seven days. Year by year we transformed the initial idea into a festival with tens of workshops, seminars, courses and exhibitions, which take place within a 10 days period”, said Catalin Rudolf. About the objectives of the festival he added that they wanted to create a powerful community of photography in Romania, to find real talents with regards to film and photography. Another purpose of the festival is the promoting of Romanian and even international culture through image and the creation of a free and creative way of thinking, outside the boundaries set through different customs. Also the festival is a great networking opportunity for those interested of the visual arts, while the participants and the teachers from the festival keep in touch even after several editions since it all started.

The results registered by the previous editions show us that all these objectives were achieved. “One of our greatest satisfactions, as initiators and organizers of the festival is the fact that a real community was formed during these years. We have participants who book their calendar with the yearly attendance to VSLO, the number of participants increased constantly from one edition to another, and there is a joyful sentiment among all participants at the beginning of the festival, while a sadness wave touches everyone at the end. We’ve even got feedback messages saying that the festival changed destinies. No one can remain indifferent to this. The last minute of the festival brings standing ovations for the entire activity, so that is the most pleasing moment for me”, said Rudolf.