On 1 October 2020, the Rossiya Theatre hosted the opening ceremony of the 5th BRICS Film Festival within the 42nd Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF).
The MIFF opening ceremony began with a speech by Vladimir Medinsky, Presidential Aide, who read a welcome address of Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.
“It is comforting that even the current difficult epidemiological situation couldn’t interfere with your meeting in Moscow, and just like before, you are here to communicate in warm, informal atmosphere, exchange creative plans and ideas and, most importantly, to see the latest works by Russian and foreign directors, actors, screenwriters and artists. The Moscow International Film Festival is rightfully famous for the wonderful traditions of its warmth and hospitality, as well as rich and eventful programme, showcasing films of various genres and schools. And surely, the Festival ignites new stars and gives everyone unexpected and pleasant surprises”, President Vladimir Putin noted in his message.
The BRICS Film Festival opening ceremony began with a welcome address by Maria Zakharova, Official Spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, who read out greetings to the organizers, participants and guests of the Festival on behalf of Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister.
“Your film festival makes a valuable contribution to the common effort – although being a relatively new initiative, it has already won recognition among cinema lovers and the public in general. It is hard to overestimate its importance for developing professional contacts, promoting national films and, ultimately, strengthening our five countries’ prestige in the global cultural landscape,” noted the Foreign Minister in his message.
The competition programme of the BRICS Film Festival consists of the following ten films:
1. IN PIECES by Rui Guerra, Brazil
2. THE SILENCE OF THE RAIN by Daniel Filho, Brazil
3. 1956, CENTRAL TRAVANCORE by Don Palathara, India
4. BIRIYAANI by Sajin Baabu, India
5. RED GHOST by Andrei Bogatyrev, Russia
6. BACK TO THE SARMATIAN STEPPE by Alexander Proshkin, Russia
7. ALL ABOUT ING by Huang Zi, China
8. SATURDAY FICTION by Lou Ye, China
9. POPPIE NONGENA by Christiaan Olwagen, South Africa
10. SALVATION by Carmen Sangion, South Africa
The films will be judged by the jury selected by the embassies of each country. It will be headed by Russian filmmaker and cameraman Sergei Mokritsky who made the film “The Battle for Sevastopol.” He took part in the first BRICS Film Festival in India and was a jury member at the second one in China.
The five winners will receive the following awards: Prize for Best Film, Special Jury Prize, Prize for Best Director, Prize for Best Actor and Prize for Best Actress.
The films will be shown in the October Cinema and Moskino cinemas.
The schedule of the showings is published on the official website.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's greetings to the organisers, participants and guests of the BRICS Film Festival
Please accept my warmest greetings to the organisers, participants and guests of the 5th BRICS Film Festival.
The strategic partnership of the five BRICS countries is successfully developing in all areas across the board, from politics and economic cooperation to science and culture. Its humanitarian component invariably plays a special role. It is no coincidence that one of the priorities of the Russian chairmanship is working to improve the living standards and the quality of life in our countries.
The BRICS Film Festival makes a valuable contribution to the common effort – although a relatively new initiative, it has already won recognition among cinema lovers and the public in general. It is hard to overestimate its importance for developing professional contacts, promoting national films, and, ultimately, strengthening our five countries’ prestige in the global cultural landscape.
I am certain that the festival’s eventful programme will help consolidate friendly ties between our citizens even more. I wish the organisers and participants every success in their creative work and all the best, and may the audience members keep bright, unforgettable memories of the event.