The Boomfest International Comics Festival was founded in 2007 as a private initiative of a group of comics lovers. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the largest comic book festivals in Saint Petersburg and arguably in Russia. The festival is supported by the Committee for Culture of the Government of St. Petersburg, embassies and consulates of different countries, museums and exhibitions spaces, cultural centers and funds, and commercial organizations.
The program of Boomfest includes comic book and illustration exhibitions (both personal and thematic), lectures, presentations, performances, film screenings, workshops, contests and competitions, meetings with industry professionals, and a book fair. They involve guests from different countries, including the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark, Ukraine, Switzerland, the United States, Canada, Spain, Finland, Australia, and others.
The exhibition program usually lasts for about a month, and the educational program runs over a weekend. Many events are free, but some have a limited capacity and require registration or at least coming early to make sure you have somewhere to sit.
Every year Boomfest hosts the traditional comics competition. Prior to the festival, the organizers announce a theme that must be reflected in the contestants’ works. Competitors are required to submit works that are maximum 3 pages long (A4, vertical). Winners are chosen in three age groups: 14 years and younger, 15–20 years, 21 years and older. The winner of the Grand Prix is chosen from the third age group. Besides, there are special prizes such as Best Script and Best Graphics.
Photo: Viktor Kuznetsov
