New Delhi — The Russian Film Festival returned to the Indian capital last week, bringing a diverse lineup of contemporary Russian cinema to local audiences. The three-day event was organized by Roskino with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation.
The festival opened with a video address from Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova, who emphasized the importance of artistic exchange in strengthening cultural ties between Russia and India. Welcoming remarks were also delivered by Alexander Zharov, CEO of Gazprom-Media Holding; Elza Antonova, CEO of Roskino; and actor Kirill Kuznetsov, who highlighted growing interest in Russian filmmaking on the international stage.
The program featured a curated selection of notable Russian films, including August, Blood Type, Gems, Rowing for Gold, and the family-friendly animation The Dino Family. The screenings attracted film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and students eager to explore new voices in Russian cinema.
Beyond the film program, the festival hosted a series of creative meetings with Russian directors, actors, and producers. These sessions offered Indian audiences a rare opportunity to engage directly with filmmakers and learn about current trends in Russian film production. Industry-focused round tables provided a platform for professional dialogue and networking.
One of the festival’s central events was the panel discussion “Cinema as a Cultural Bridge: From Shared Values to Joint Projects.” Participants explored emerging opportunities for Russian-Indian collaboration, discussing co-production prospects, distribution partnerships, and the growing demand for cross-cultural storytelling.
Organizers noted that the festival aims to deepen cultural cooperation and foster long-term partnerships between the Russian and Indian film industries. Plans for future joint projects, exchange programs, and expanded festival activities were also highlighted as areas of continued interest.