Moscow marked the close of summer with the launch of a new cultural event: the first-ever Proektsiya Light Festival, held at Moskino Cinema Park on 30 and 31 August. Over two days, more than 10,000 visitors experienced immersive light installations, large-scale projections, and live performances from both international and Russian artists.
The festival transformed an area of 1,500 square metres with more than five bespoke installations, 800 vertical light structures, and 1,000 synchronised lighting fixtures, creating a fully immersive environment where sound, visuals, and live performance merged.
Global headliners
The opening night was headlined by Swedish-Congolese pop star Mohombi, known for global hits such as Bumpy Ride and Hello. His arrival generated anticipation long before he took the stage, as colourful projections and shifting digital displays turned the park into a glowing arena.
On stage, Mohombi delivered an energetic set, blending charisma with dancefloor anthems that drew cheers and dancing from the crowd. Speaking before his performance, he said: “I’m very glad to be back in Russia. Above all, it’s always a great joy for me to come to Moscow. Your culture has always been close to me. I love its diversity.”
The second night saw American rapper Busta Rhymes headline the festival. Known worldwide for his rapid-fire lyrical style and collaborations with Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson, he electrified the Moscow audience with a high-energy set. Holographic appearances of his collaborators were projected on stage, blending music with digital art. “I haven’t been in Moscow for a long time, and I’m incredibly happy to be back. There are amazing people here,” he told the crowd.
Light installations
Alongside the music, the light art installations drew as much attention as the performers. A 70-metre LED tunnel, set along the main park alley, acted as a glowing corridor that pulsed with colour and rhythm. Another highlight was the “Moscow of the 1940s” zone, where archival footage was brought to life through large-scale video mapping projections, blending history with modern technology.
The scale of synchronisation — over 1,000 lighting fixtures and 800 vertical structures — ensured visitors were surrounded by shifting waves of light and sound, creating a seamless multisensory experience.
A new cultural platform
The Proektsiya Light Festival brought together international stars, Russian performers, light artists, and influencers, signalling Moscow’s ambition to host large-scale cultural events of global standard.
By fusing music, digital art, and performance technology, the event offered more than just a concert — it presented a new cultural platform that blended tradition, history, and innovation.
Organisers described the festival as the beginning of a new chapter for Moscow’s cultural calendar, and early reviews suggest audiences left with a sense of having witnessed both a celebration of global music and a step forward for immersive art in Russia.
