The “Cultural Amalgam” festival is continuing its tour, with Kriva Palanka hosting the event tonight after a successful opening in Skopje. The festival, which celebrates photography, documentary filmmaking, and artistic experimentation, began its second edition on July 15th at the Cultural Information Center – Skopje.

In Skopje, the festival commenced with the “PhotoSynthesis” exhibition, featuring over 40 Romanian artists specializing in alternative photographic techniques. The exhibition showcased techniques like cyanotype, van dyke, and gum bichromate, blending poetic artistry with technical precision, offering a modern take on historical processes.

Following the exhibition, the documentary film “Manaki – A Story in Pictures,” directed by Robert Jankuloski, was screened. The film, which uses meticulous research and authentic photographs, transported the audience to the era of the first Balkan cinematographers, revealing little-known facts about their lives and work. The documentary made a significant impact with its respectful portrayal of cultural heritage, providing valuable historical context.

Tonight, in Kriva Palanka, the public will have the opportunity to view the “PhotoSynthesis” exhibition at the City Museum, starting at 8 pm. The exhibition features a unique selection of alternative photography from the “Iris” photo club, showcasing cyanotype, gumoil, and van dyke techniques through the works of over 40 artists. After the exhibition, there will be a screening of the documentary “Manaki – A Story in Pictures,” which explores the lives and work of the Manaki brothers, pioneers of Balkan photography. The event is free and open to the public.

The festival’s next stop is Kumanovo on August 7th at the “Trajko Prokopiev” Cultural Center. The “Cultural Amalgam” festival aims to promote cultural decentralization within Macedonia and foster collaboration among cultural institutions nationwide. The festival’s goal is to revitalize local spaces through exhibitions, screenings, workshops, and discussions, while also fostering new avenues for self-organized cultural initiatives. This year’s theme centers on photography, highlighting its historical evolution and the resurgence of alternative techniques. The project aspires to expand its reach both regionally and internationally and is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.