On April 17, 2025 the opening ceremony of 47th Moscow International Film Festival took place in Rossiya Theater
Before the ceremony, President of the Festival, director, Chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of the Russian Federation Nikita Mikhalkov hosted the traditional briefing. He said that this year Moscow Festival will show over 200 films from 50 countries. The Festival received 1,633 applications, which is 17 percent more than in 2024. Among the country representation, the leaders in the number of films (including Soviet films featured in out-of-competition programs) are Russia, China, Spain, France and Argentina.
"I think out-of-competition programs are a great asset of Moscow Film Festival. Besides the competition, for which our selection board selects participants from high quality films, the out-of-competition program made up of retrospectives, iconic films and even operas shown on a big screen, provides a broad cinematographic diversity. Usually, these programs attract lots of spectators and cause great interest. I have been to various film festivals, our festival is different because it provides the most comprehensive outlook of world cinema and its history", noted Nikita Mikhalkov.
He also underlined that, despite the political environment, Moscow continues to welcome foreign filmmakers.
"This is not about who we invite, but who accepts these invitations. Many, even among my friends, are concerned that this can affect their careers and contracts and, at this point, refuse to attend. But those who have arrived are independent people who have nothing to be afraid of, who have proved their right to take a decision based on their creative track record and personal position. I am very grateful to jury members, participants and guests of our festival – by the way, this year we have more guests than last year and two years ago. Today, festivals, to a big extent, have ceased to evaluate art in films and instead evaluate only political standings of those who make these films. For us, the quantity and quality of the films in the program plays a bigger role in defining the level of the festival than the attendance of celebrities. We have our own life and culture. We were the only ones in the world who were not afraid to stand up and state our position. This brought us to reaping the benefits of Russian films' box office receipts in general and the number of films and guests at Moscow Film Festival in particular", added the President of the Festival.
The Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova, director Aleksey German Jr., film director and actress Svetlana Druzhinina and cinematographer Anatoliy Mukasey, actors Vladimir Mashkov, Maryana Spivak, Nastasya Samburskaya, Linda Lapinsh, Lyanka Gryu, Vladislav Miller, Kirill Zaytsev, Anna Matison, Alena Morilova, Anna Banshchikova, Vladimir Kanukhin, Valeria Beloshitskaya, Yana Perfilova, Elena Podkaminskaya, General Director of MAER media holding Konstantin Mayor and others walked on the red carpet of the opening ceremony of 47th Moscow International Film Festival leading to the theater.
Aide to President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Medinsky kicked off the ceremony by reading out a welcome message from Vladimir Putin.
"Moscow International Film Festival is renowned for its hospitable atmosphere, fascinating and rich history, as well as unique traditions. The masters of cinematography considered it an honour to present their new works here, and for some, the festival opened the doors to big cinematography life. The inclusion of a film to Moscow Film Festival program became a special quality mark for film fans all over the world. <…> We all know the outstanding film Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears. I would like to add, though, that Moscow does believe in talent and in the powerful creative force of art", noted the President of Russia in his address.
From his side, Vladimir Medinsky underlined that this year Moscow Festival, like most other major events in the life of the country, is hosted under the auspices of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory, and suggested to observe a moment of silence to pay tribute to actors, directors, cinematographers killed in the front and those who made films thereafter, "in which they shared their emotions, the horror of ordeals and the happiness of victory".
The ceremony continued with a video dedicated to filmmakers who fought in the front and remained in the home front of the Great Patriotic War and made great films about those dreadful events.
The actor and producer Aleksey Guskov was the host of the opening ceremony of 47th Moscow International Film Festival: "Today, opening Moscow International Film Festival, we remember not only cinema. We remember those people for whom the war became part of their life and their creative work. About those who survived through the war and tried to reflect on what they had lived through in their films, to tell about the most important they have: memories, pain, human decency. We remember directors, script writers, actors and those who, holding a camera in their hands marched in the vanguard with soldiers, about combat cameramen who shot war the way it was, they shot it not in pavilions, but in trenches. Their names are inscribed in the history of cinema and in the history of the Great Victory".
Aleksey Guskov continued by presenting the prizes of 47th Moscow International Film Festival, participants and members of the Festival's jury.
13 films from 13 countries will compete for the prizes of the Main Competition. The actress Maryana Spivak(Russia), the actor, director and producer John Robinson (USA), the director and screenwriter Aleksey German Jr. (Russia), the director, screenwriter, producer Cornel Gheorghita (Romania, France), the actress, singer, TV presenter Bushra (Egypt, Great Britain) and the Chairman of the Jury, producer, director, screenwriter Lluís Miñarro (Spain) will select the winners of Saint George figurines.
The Documentary Film Competition included 13 films from 9 countries this year. The Russian actress Yulia Khlynina, the Italian director, producer and actor Fabio Massa and the Chair of the Jury, the Turkish actor, director and scriptwriter Erkan Kolçak Köstendil will select the winner.
Eight films will compete for the status of the best non-feature film to be judged by the jury, which includes the Russian cinematographer and director Irina Uralskaya, the Brazilian cinematographer Bruno Jorge, and the American professor, writer, script writer and public figure Peter Kuznick.
The Russian Premiere competition will feature seven works. The jury included the director, playwright Anna Matison, the producer, media manager Sergey Titinkov and the director, script writer, actor, producer Vladimir Grammatikov.
The director Nikita Mikhalkov ascended the stage to welcome the jury, participants and guests of the Festival. As the tradition goes, he handed over the chain bearing an image of Saint George to the Chair of the Main Competition Jury Lluís Miñarro, fluently exchanging remarks with the foreign filmmaker in Spanish.
"We have wonderful ties: once Nikita told me that he had a Spanish nanny, and it turned out my parents had Russian nannies. When we speak of Europe, we often forget that this is just a small part of the whole continent called Eurasia. I thank everyone for the honor to be a member of the jury of Moscow International Film Festival and wish good luck to us all", said Lluís Miñarro.
He and Nikita Mikhalkov declared 47th Moscow International Film Festival open.
The prize for excellence in acting and commitment to the principles of Stanislavsky I Believe. Konstantin Stanislavsky became the first prize of 47th Moscow Festival. The President of the Festival awarded this prize to the actor, director, producer, art director of Moscow Oleg Tabakov Theater and Sovremennik Theater, Chair of the Union of Theater Workers of the Russian Federation Vladimir Mashkov.
Vladimir Mashkov thanked the President of the Festival "for the encouraging and inspiring reward, which is associated with the name of the great artist, Konstantin Stanislavsky".
"He gave us the vector to develop our artistic domain and said that only the art of great truth, great feelings and great ideas can reflect reality. Thank you for your faith in me! Thank you for believing in our cause. I am also confident that today in this hall we all believe in our victory and our soldiers who are making this victory closer", added Mashkov.
The film He Was Not Listed dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory and based on the eponymous work by the renowned writer, a veteran of the Great Patriotic War Boris Vasilyev became the opening film of 47th Moscow International Film Festival. General Director, Gazprom Media Holding, Aleksander Zharov, the theater and cinema actor Vladimir Mashkov, who played one of the main parts in the film, the general producer, NTV, Timur Vaynshteyn, the director Sergey Korotaev and the lead actors Vladislav Miller and Alena Morilova introduced the opening film.
Sima-Lend, one of the largest Russian retail and manufacturing companies, is an official partner of 47th Moscow International Film Festival.
VOYAH premium electric cars is an official partner of 47th Moscow International Film Festival.
MAER Media Holding is a communication partner of 47th Moscow International Film Festival.
Continuing its tradition of supporting most significant cultural events in Russia, Mercury Jewellery has been an official partner of Moscow International Film Festival for five consecutive years.
Mercury crafted the main prizes of the Festival: figurines of Saint George riding a silver horse and slaying a dragon with a spear. The Golden Saint George figurine is made of gilded silver and the Silver Saint George is crafted from silver. The foundation of the figurine featuring the Mercury logo in gold is made of adder stone.
The Golden Saint George is awarded in two nominations: for Contribution into the World Cinema Art and the Excellence in Acting and Commitment to the Principles of Stanislavsky I believe. Konstantin Stanislavsky.
In the competition program, the Golden Saint George is awarded for the best film of the competition program. Laureates in the seven main nominations are awarded with Silver Saint George figurines.
Mercury Jewellery is also the author of the gilt silver chain with three medallions embossed with the main symbols of Moscow: Spasskaya Tower, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Saint George. This chain embodies the symbol of power, wisdom and justice. The President of the Festival gives it to the chair of the jury of Moscow International Film Festival as a token of respect and recognition.
Mercury Jewellery brand is renowned for the elegant design of its gold and precious stone jewellery, and the excellent craftsmanship of Italian jewellers. The company is rightly proud of its collection of unique precious stones and jewels of the High Jewellery Art category. All the precious stones have international certification, with a Mercury authenticity certificate having a unique number coming with each jewel.
Stars on the red carpet:
Anna Matison, a member of the jury, shone in Mercury Classic earrings of yellow gold with diamonds.
Yulia Khlynina, a member of the jury, enriched her image with Mercury earrings from Mercury Bonbons collection of yellow gold with citrines and diamonds.
Tatiana Mikhalkova shone in Mercury Classic earrings of white and yellow gold with yellow and white diamonds.
Alla Sigalova chose Mercury Color earrings and a bracelet of white gold with diamonds and rubies and a Mercury Classic ring of white gold with a diamond.
Renata Piotrovski shone in a Mercury Classic necklace, earrings and a bracelet of white gold with diamonds. Dress by Alena Akhmadullina.
Anna Aleksandrova enriched her image with Mercury earrings of white gold with diamonds and pearls. Dress by Alena Akhmadullina.
Lyanka Gryu chose Mercury Color earrings of white gold with diamonds and rubies. Dress by Alena Akhmadullina.
Jasmine shone in a Mercury Classic bracelet of yellow gold with diamonds.
Anna Peskova enriched her image with Mercury Classic earrings and a bracelet of white gold with diamonds.
Stacy Tolstoy shone in a Mercury Classic necklace and earrings of white gold and diamonds.
Anna Tikhomirova chose a Mercury Classic necklace of white gold with diamonds and Mercury Color earrings of white gold with diamonds and rubies.
Mariya Tillyaeva enriched her image with Mercury Classic earrings of white gold with diamonds.
Before the ceremony, President of the Festival, director, Chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of the Russian Federation Nikita Mikhalkov hosted the traditional briefing. He said that this year Moscow Festival will show over 200 films from 50 countries. The Festival received 1,633 applications, which is 17 percent more than in 2024. Among the country representation, the leaders in the number of films (including Soviet films featured in out-of-competition programs) are Russia, China, Spain, France and Argentina.
"I think out-of-competition programs are a great asset of Moscow Film Festival. Besides the competition, for which our selection board selects participants from high quality films, the out-of-competition program made up of retrospectives, iconic films and even operas shown on a big screen, provides a broad cinematographic diversity. Usually, these programs attract lots of spectators and cause great interest. I have been to various film festivals, our festival is different because it provides the most comprehensive outlook of world cinema and its history", noted Nikita Mikhalkov.
He also underlined that, despite the political environment, Moscow continues to welcome foreign filmmakers.
"This is not about who we invite, but who accepts these invitations. Many, even among my friends, are concerned that this can affect their careers and contracts and, at this point, refuse to attend. But those who have arrived are independent people who have nothing to be afraid of, who have proved their right to take a decision based on their creative track record and personal position. I am very grateful to jury members, participants and guests of our festival – by the way, this year we have more guests than last year and two years ago. Today, festivals, to a big extent, have ceased to evaluate art in films and instead evaluate only political standings of those who make these films. For us, the quantity and quality of the films in the program plays a bigger role in defining the level of the festival than the attendance of celebrities. We have our own life and culture. We were the only ones in the world who were not afraid to stand up and state our position. This brought us to reaping the benefits of Russian films' box office receipts in general and the number of films and guests at Moscow Film Festival in particular", added the President of the Festival.
The Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova, director Aleksey German Jr., film director and actress Svetlana Druzhinina and cinematographer Anatoliy Mukasey, actors Vladimir Mashkov, Maryana Spivak, Nastasya Samburskaya, Linda Lapinsh, Lyanka Gryu, Vladislav Miller, Kirill Zaytsev, Anna Matison, Alena Morilova, Anna Banshchikova, Vladimir Kanukhin, Valeria Beloshitskaya, Yana Perfilova, Elena Podkaminskaya, General Director of MAER media holding Konstantin Mayor and others walked on the red carpet of the opening ceremony of 47th Moscow International Film Festival leading to the theater.
Aide to President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Medinsky kicked off the ceremony by reading out a welcome message from Vladimir Putin.
"Moscow International Film Festival is renowned for its hospitable atmosphere, fascinating and rich history, as well as unique traditions. The masters of cinematography considered it an honour to present their new works here, and for some, the festival opened the doors to big cinematography life. The inclusion of a film to Moscow Film Festival program became a special quality mark for film fans all over the world. <…> We all know the outstanding film Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears. I would like to add, though, that Moscow does believe in talent and in the powerful creative force of art", noted the President of Russia in his address.
From his side, Vladimir Medinsky underlined that this year Moscow Festival, like most other major events in the life of the country, is hosted under the auspices of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory, and suggested to observe a moment of silence to pay tribute to actors, directors, cinematographers killed in the front and those who made films thereafter, "in which they shared their emotions, the horror of ordeals and the happiness of victory".
The ceremony continued with a video dedicated to filmmakers who fought in the front and remained in the home front of the Great Patriotic War and made great films about those dreadful events.
The actor and producer Aleksey Guskov was the host of the opening ceremony of 47th Moscow International Film Festival: "Today, opening Moscow International Film Festival, we remember not only cinema. We remember those people for whom the war became part of their life and their creative work. About those who survived through the war and tried to reflect on what they had lived through in their films, to tell about the most important they have: memories, pain, human decency. We remember directors, script writers, actors and those who, holding a camera in their hands marched in the vanguard with soldiers, about combat cameramen who shot war the way it was, they shot it not in pavilions, but in trenches. Their names are inscribed in the history of cinema and in the history of the Great Victory".
Aleksey Guskov continued by presenting the prizes of 47th Moscow International Film Festival, participants and members of the Festival's jury.
13 films from 13 countries will compete for the prizes of the Main Competition. The actress Maryana Spivak(Russia), the actor, director and producer John Robinson (USA), the director and screenwriter Aleksey German Jr. (Russia), the director, screenwriter, producer Cornel Gheorghita (Romania, France), the actress, singer, TV presenter Bushra (Egypt, Great Britain) and the Chairman of the Jury, producer, director, screenwriter Lluís Miñarro (Spain) will select the winners of Saint George figurines.
The Documentary Film Competition included 13 films from 9 countries this year. The Russian actress Yulia Khlynina, the Italian director, producer and actor Fabio Massa and the Chair of the Jury, the Turkish actor, director and scriptwriter Erkan Kolçak Köstendil will select the winner.
Eight films will compete for the status of the best non-feature film to be judged by the jury, which includes the Russian cinematographer and director Irina Uralskaya, the Brazilian cinematographer Bruno Jorge, and the American professor, writer, script writer and public figure Peter Kuznick.
The Russian Premiere competition will feature seven works. The jury included the director, playwright Anna Matison, the producer, media manager Sergey Titinkov and the director, script writer, actor, producer Vladimir Grammatikov.
The director Nikita Mikhalkov ascended the stage to welcome the jury, participants and guests of the Festival. As the tradition goes, he handed over the chain bearing an image of Saint George to the Chair of the Main Competition Jury Lluís Miñarro, fluently exchanging remarks with the foreign filmmaker in Spanish.
"We have wonderful ties: once Nikita told me that he had a Spanish nanny, and it turned out my parents had Russian nannies. When we speak of Europe, we often forget that this is just a small part of the whole continent called Eurasia. I thank everyone for the honor to be a member of the jury of Moscow International Film Festival and wish good luck to us all", said Lluís Miñarro.
He and Nikita Mikhalkov declared 47th Moscow International Film Festival open.
The prize for excellence in acting and commitment to the principles of Stanislavsky I Believe. Konstantin Stanislavsky became the first prize of 47th Moscow Festival. The President of the Festival awarded this prize to the actor, director, producer, art director of Moscow Oleg Tabakov Theater and Sovremennik Theater, Chair of the Union of Theater Workers of the Russian Federation Vladimir Mashkov.
Vladimir Mashkov thanked the President of the Festival "for the encouraging and inspiring reward, which is associated with the name of the great artist, Konstantin Stanislavsky".
"He gave us the vector to develop our artistic domain and said that only the art of great truth, great feelings and great ideas can reflect reality. Thank you for your faith in me! Thank you for believing in our cause. I am also confident that today in this hall we all believe in our victory and our soldiers who are making this victory closer", added Mashkov.
The film He Was Not Listed dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory and based on the eponymous work by the renowned writer, a veteran of the Great Patriotic War Boris Vasilyev became the opening film of 47th Moscow International Film Festival. General Director, Gazprom Media Holding, Aleksander Zharov, the theater and cinema actor Vladimir Mashkov, who played one of the main parts in the film, the general producer, NTV, Timur Vaynshteyn, the director Sergey Korotaev and the lead actors Vladislav Miller and Alena Morilova introduced the opening film.
Sima-Lend, one of the largest Russian retail and manufacturing companies, is an official partner of 47th Moscow International Film Festival.
VOYAH premium electric cars is an official partner of 47th Moscow International Film Festival.
MAER Media Holding is a communication partner of 47th Moscow International Film Festival.
Continuing its tradition of supporting most significant cultural events in Russia, Mercury Jewellery has been an official partner of Moscow International Film Festival for five consecutive years.
Mercury crafted the main prizes of the Festival: figurines of Saint George riding a silver horse and slaying a dragon with a spear. The Golden Saint George figurine is made of gilded silver and the Silver Saint George is crafted from silver. The foundation of the figurine featuring the Mercury logo in gold is made of adder stone.
The Golden Saint George is awarded in two nominations: for Contribution into the World Cinema Art and the Excellence in Acting and Commitment to the Principles of Stanislavsky I believe. Konstantin Stanislavsky.
In the competition program, the Golden Saint George is awarded for the best film of the competition program. Laureates in the seven main nominations are awarded with Silver Saint George figurines.
Mercury Jewellery is also the author of the gilt silver chain with three medallions embossed with the main symbols of Moscow: Spasskaya Tower, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Saint George. This chain embodies the symbol of power, wisdom and justice. The President of the Festival gives it to the chair of the jury of Moscow International Film Festival as a token of respect and recognition.
Mercury Jewellery brand is renowned for the elegant design of its gold and precious stone jewellery, and the excellent craftsmanship of Italian jewellers. The company is rightly proud of its collection of unique precious stones and jewels of the High Jewellery Art category. All the precious stones have international certification, with a Mercury authenticity certificate having a unique number coming with each jewel.
Stars on the red carpet:
Anna Matison, a member of the jury, shone in Mercury Classic earrings of yellow gold with diamonds.
Yulia Khlynina, a member of the jury, enriched her image with Mercury earrings from Mercury Bonbons collection of yellow gold with citrines and diamonds.
Tatiana Mikhalkova shone in Mercury Classic earrings of white and yellow gold with yellow and white diamonds.
Alla Sigalova chose Mercury Color earrings and a bracelet of white gold with diamonds and rubies and a Mercury Classic ring of white gold with a diamond.
Renata Piotrovski shone in a Mercury Classic necklace, earrings and a bracelet of white gold with diamonds. Dress by Alena Akhmadullina.
Anna Aleksandrova enriched her image with Mercury earrings of white gold with diamonds and pearls. Dress by Alena Akhmadullina.
Lyanka Gryu chose Mercury Color earrings of white gold with diamonds and rubies. Dress by Alena Akhmadullina.
Jasmine shone in a Mercury Classic bracelet of yellow gold with diamonds.
Anna Peskova enriched her image with Mercury Classic earrings and a bracelet of white gold with diamonds.
Stacy Tolstoy shone in a Mercury Classic necklace and earrings of white gold and diamonds.
Anna Tikhomirova chose a Mercury Classic necklace of white gold with diamonds and Mercury Color earrings of white gold with diamonds and rubies.
Mariya Tillyaeva enriched her image with Mercury Classic earrings of white gold with diamonds.