Can chemists be compared to directors who stage a performance with molecules following their script? How does a scientific approach help an actor immerse themselves in a role so that the story on screen feels real? The final episode of the first season of the
Vyzov Sophiko project has been released on the
START online cinema, featuring
Valery Fokin, chemist, Professor at the University of Southern California (USA) and laureate of the
VYZOV Prize, alongside
Yulia Snigir, actress. The filming took place at the Pioner cinema.
Valery Fokin explained why spontaneous decisions are sometimes truer than carefully considered ones, and why people of science and art have more in common than not:
"In any science, especially in one as creative and constructive as chemistry, there is a large share of art. I am equally interested in talking with an engineer, an actor, a doctor, or a scientist, because we all approach our work the same way – with great love and enjoyment."
Yulia Snigir spoke about which acting techniques can be used in everyday life and how science can make art more profound:
"I enjoyed it immensely. We talked about life, about how people are wired, about how the world works. And although my profession involves reflecting on these topics, it is very difficult to measure up to a scientist – they are pure intellect."
The episode is also available to watch on
VK Video.
05.04.2026 
