The shift from film to digital technologies has transformed the global film industry, revolutionizing production, distribution, and storytelling. This research examines why some directors continue to shoot on film despite the widespread adoption of digital formats, exploring their motivations and the industry changes that have resulted from this transition.
Through an analysis of interviews with 20 filmmakers—including Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino, and Martin Scorsese—the study identifies key factors such as aesthetics, texture, authenticity, and nostalgia that drive their preference for film. Additionally, it highlights the growing hybrid approach, where directors combine analog shooting with digital post-production techniques.

By investigating this ongoing evolution, the research provides insights into how filmmakers balance tradition and innovation, offering a deeper understanding of cinema’s artistic and technological future.

The digital transformation of museums is reshaping how cultural heritage is preserved and experienced. Bridge Between Past and Future explores how computer technology—from early cataloging systems in the 1980s to AI-driven archival tools today—has revolutionized museum practices.

Co-authored with Irina Sizova, this research examines the digital transformation of museum practices, from archival digitization to immersive visitor experiences. Through interviews with pioneers of museum digitization, such as Laina White, Holly Witchey, and Norbert Kanter, the book examines key milestones in digital preservation, interactive exhibitions, and online accessibility. It traces the evolution of museum computing, highlighting the challenges and innovations that continue to redefine audience engagement and heritage conservation.

Coming soon in 2025 as National Research University Higher School of Economics publication

VZLOMKINO is not only a podcast—it is accompanied by a research-based exploration of how film constructs a secondary reality that influences our perception of the real world. This study theoretically grounds the discussions presented in the podcast, examining key concepts from semiotics, media theory, and film studies.

Theoretical Foundation:
This research explains the cinematic techniques, cultural mechanisms, and media phenomena that shape audience perception. It explores how fictional narratives become cultural myths, how framing and editing alter historical memory, and how media representation can reinforce or deconstruct stereotypes.

Key Topics Explored in the Research:

• The Power of Archetypes – How recurring character tropes influence audience behavior and identity.
• Myth in Modern Media – How cinema creates and reinforces ideological narratives.
• Emotional Manipulation Through Editing – How cinematic techniques shape viewer perception.

What is "VZLOMKINO"?
The title of the project is a pun in Russian: it can be read as "Взлом Кино" (Breaking Cinema) or "В Злом Кино" (In Evil Cinema), reflecting our dual approach—deconstructing film language while analyzing its darker cultural influence.

Why do we travel? Is it for the places themselves, or for the myths we believe about them?

"Mythical Tourist" will be not only a travel documentary series—it will be accompanied by a research-driven exploration of how myths, stereotypes, and urban legends shape the way we perceive cities. This accompanying research serves as the theoretical foundation of the project, examining how historical narratives, cultural archetypes, and media representations influence tourism, local identity, and city branding.

Theoretical Foundation:
This study draws from semiotics, myth studies, and media theory, exploring how fictionalized histories, cinematic depictions, and cultural myths create an imagined version of a place. The research provides a framework for deconstructing these narratives and understanding how myths evolve over time.

Key Topics Explored in the Research:

• The Mythologization of Places – How cities become symbols of romance, mystery, or danger.
• Tourism as a Quest for Myth – How travelers seek out stories rather than reality.
• Media & Urban Identity – How films, books, and news shape the perception of a city.

Blurring the Line Between Myth and Reality

Coming soon in 2025 as a research accompanying my Final-Year Project "Mythical Tourist".