At the Karl Bulla photoshowroom the anniversary exhibition of Paul Markin was held, Pavel is a photojournalist with 40 years experience. All work has been exhibited for the first time.

Markin started shooting for newspapers in 1968, and during that time has worked in dozens of publications , in the 80s he has served as dean of  photographers faculty in the St. Petersburg Union of Journalists, however, he continues printing regularly  as a writer.

The exhibition “Familiar Strangers” - is not only a thirtieth exhibition and anniversary of Markin. He turns 65, and the same number of works is on display. The name is also an ulterior motive: for more than 40 years of his career at a press photographer there is more than one hundred shots, missed the headlines, but are no less and, at times, even much more valuable.

The report of this kind is, at least make possible to trace the shift of several eras through the eyes of one artist.

In St. Petersburg from 21th till 30th of October took place the International Film Festival, “Side by Side” , where films of different countries, raising topics and issues of alternative sexual orientation representatives were shown. One of the interesting events of the festival – the opening exhibition of African photographer Zanele Muholi in space “Taiga”.

The main event of the film festival, as we thought, was the meeting with the singer from the UK  Marc Almond. He brought to this uncommon event his favorite movie that was shown in one of cinema halls MIRAGE CINEMA.

We must pay tribute to Mark, he was personaly watching the hole film, so that after in a warm and friendly and I can even say homely atmosphere to speak with the audience.

Such a cute-cute Marc Almond, quite ultimate, gave a very full and long answers to audience questions. And in the end he complained that in his opinion tolerance to gays in Russia is growing, but as yet it is “with frowning brows”. Mark even expressed his concerns about closing a festival at all.

Marc Almond often happens to be in Russia, admits his love to our country, and even in Siberia it somehow skidded, but seems to be not quite aware after all, it turns out! We decided change his opinion by asking a question that caused a slight commotion in the hall (see our video report).

In general, this evening caused a very positive emotions, adding a good intellectual charge to brains. The only pity is that there were not much people, as it was expected, and I did not see any representatives from non-traditionals from the fashion public of our great city on the Neva.