Category: Киноконцерн Мосфильм

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 16, 2025

News editorial office

Today, People's Artist of the Russian Federation Svetlana Druzhinina celebrates her 90th birthday. Actress, director, screenwriter, and producer, Svetlana Sergeyevna has distinguished herself in a wide range of film roles during her long and successful career. Her filmography includes over 20 outstanding projects! Mosfilm.ru recalls the key creative milestones of Svetlana Druzhinina, whose career is closely linked to the legendary film studio.

Svetlana Sergeyevna Druzhinina was born on December 16, 1935, in Moscow. Her childhood coincided with the war years: Svetlana's father died at the front, and Svetlana and her mother were forced to evacuate twice. After the war, they returned to Moscow. Druzhinina dreamed of becoming a performer from childhood and, at the age of 12, entered circus school. A year later, she transferred to the choreography school at the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Musical Theater, and later to the choreography school of the State Academic Bolshoi Theater. Her classmates included Maris Liepa and Natalia Kasatkina. Her teachers noted Svetlana Sergeyevna's talent for dance, but a serious arm injury forced her to abandon her ballet career.

In search of a new creative outlet, Svetlana Druzhinina tried her hand at presenting. Mosfilm director Samson Samsonov saw one of her concerts. He tracked her down and offered her a role in his film, Behind the Department Store Window (1955). Fascinated by cinema, Svetlana enrolled in the acting department of VGIK (Olga Pyzhova and Boris Bibikov's workshop), where her classmates included Leonid Kuravlyov and Sofiko Chiaureli. For the next ten years, Druzhinina devoted herself to acting, appearing in films such as It Happened in Penkovo (1957) and Girls (1961). Druzhinina retired from acting in 1965, having appeared in films such as There Is a Son Somewhere (1962) and What Is the Sea Like? (1964), "Green Light" (1965) and "Beloved" (1965).

In the 1950s and 1960s, audiences could appreciate the brilliant acting talent of Svetlana Druzhinina.

In the mid-1960s, the already well-known and beloved actress decided to change her role – she re-enrolled at VGIK, this time in the directing department (Igor Talankin's workshop). In 1969, after graduating, Svetlana Sergeyevna began working at Mosfilm Studios as a director. Her feature-length directorial debut was the film "Wish Fulfillment" (1973), based on the novel of the same name by Veniamin Kaverin. The film starred Yevgeny Lebedev, Innokenty Smoktunovsky, Natalya Bondarchuk, and Nikolai Eremenko. In the late 1970s, Svetlana Druzhinina discovered a new direction – musical films. This is how her films “Sun, Sun Again” (1976), “The Hussar’s Courtship” (1979), “Dulcinea del Toboso” (1980) and “The Circus Princess” (1982) appeared.

Svetlana Druzhinina's crowning achievement as a director is considered to be the multi-part film "Midshipmen, Forward!" (1987), based on Nina Sorotokina's novel "Three from the Navigation School." The film achieved nationwide success! The leading roles were played by Sergei Zhigunov, Dmitry Kharatyan, and Vladimir Shevelkov. The film also starred Mikhail Boyarsky, Yevgeny Yevstigneyev, Aleksandr Abdulov, Innokenty Smoktunovsky, and other actors. Filming lasted over a year and a half. Svetlana Druzhinina subsequently directed four sequels to "Midshipmen." From 1995 to 2011, she worked on another large-scale historical project—the film series "Secrets of Palace Revolutions" about the lives of Russian empresses.

Film director and People's Artist of the Russian Federation Svetlana Druzhinina on the set of her films

Svetlana Druzhinina's cinema is not documentary historical reconstructions, but rather vibrant worlds where moral contrasts are clear, good triumphs, and evil is vivid. Her historical costume dramas are, above all, fairy tales, where the essence lies in the truth of feelings: friendship, love, patriotism. Svetlana Druzhinina's films are almost always a cascade of charming characters (the legendary "midshipmen"), sparkling dialogue, memorable songs, and impeccably handsome actors. She created not just characters, but archetypes. During the perestroika era, her cinema gave viewers something scarce: unconditional joy, hope, and confidence in the justice of the world order.

Over the course of her long career, Svetlana Druzhinina has received numerous awards and prizes. In 2001, she was awarded the title of People's Artist of the Russian Federation for her significant contributions to the arts. She is also a recipient of the Order of Honor, the Order of Friendship, and the Order "For Merit in Culture and Art." Over the years, Druzhinina has won the Golden Eagle Film Award, the Moscow International Film Festival Prize, the Vivat Cinema of Russia! Film Festival Prize, and others.

The Mosfilm team heartily congratulates Svetlana Druzhinina on her anniversary and wishes her good health and new creative achievements!

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 11, 2025

News editorial office

The music for the film "Saving the Immortal" (previously titled "The Return of Mendysh") has been recorded at Mosfilm's Music Studio 1, and the final soundtrack is already being mixed at Dolby Studio 6. Mosfilm.ru spoke with composer Aizhamal Samatova and sound engineer Lola Bukaeva about the process of creating the film's soundscape.

The Opensound Orchestra symphony orchestra, conducted by Stanislav Malyshev, performed a score created by young composer Aizhamal Samatova. The music was developed in close collaboration with the film's director, Pavel Ignatov, and sound engineer, Lola Bukaeva. For Aizhamal Samatova, a graduate of the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, this project marked her film debut.

"It was crucial for me that the music convey not the characters' national differences, but rather the feelings they share—love, the pain of loss, joy," shared Aizhamal Samatova. "Even if the film features a song in Kyrgyz, it doesn't require translation: the characters' emotions are clear without words. That's the main idea."

The composer noted the unique creative atmosphere at Mosfilm and thanked her mentor, renowned film composer Yuri Potenko, for his assistance with the orchestration. The recording, supervised by experienced sound engineer Gennady Papin, was smooth and precise, achieving the desired depth and emotionality of the sound.

The film is currently being re-recorded (final mixing – ed.) at Dolby Studio 6. Previously, the film's editors completed editing (editing director: Olga Proshkina) and voice-over work. The team has 20 work shifts ahead. According to the film's creators, everything is aimed at finding the final creative and technical solution for the film's sound design, a balance between sound and image that aligns with the director's vision and the perceptions of the young audience for whom this film is being made.

The film's sound director, Lola Bukaeva, along with her colleague Daler Khasanov, who has worked with this team on other projects, are perfectionists in their field, meticulously working on the film's sound design.

"Of course, the final say always rests with director Pavel Ignatov. Our task is to realize the director's vision, which, I believe, we understood from the very beginning of work on this very unusual and beloved film," shared sound engineer Lola Bukaeva.

Sound engineers particularly note the high-tech nature of Mosfilm's dubbing studio as one of the most advanced production facilities in Russia for this stage of film production. They estimate that the Mosfilm dubbing studio's equipment meets the most modern standards.

Let us remember that the editing and post-production stage of the film "Saving the Immortal" (previous working title "The Return of Mendysh") is carried out entirely at the Mosfilm production and technical base – this includes voice-over, sound recording, background recording, music recording, re-recording (final mixing of the film's soundtrack – ed.), etc.

Filming took place in wintry Belarus and the scorching Tien Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan. The plot is based on the life and tragic fate of Kyrgyzstani Mendysh Omuraliev, who died in the Battle of Rzhev in 1942. His remains were found by a search party and returned to his birthplace, the Talas region of Kyrgyzstan, where he was buried with full military honors.

"Extreme blogger Sasha Ustinov (played by popular blogger Gufee Medalina), living in a reality of streaming and hype, finds himself drawn into the events of the Great Patriotic War through a mystical connection to the past. The discovery of the remains of an unknown soldier in the present day by his grandfather, a searcher, becomes a turning point, launching a fantastic journey through time," the film's synopsis states.

The film was written by Alexander Shevtsov and directed by Pavel Ignatov. Lola Bukaeva served as the film's sound engineer, and Aizhamal Samatova composed the music. The role of Mendysh Omuraliev was given to Kyrgyz actor Kymbatbek Alimzhanov. The modern-day hero, Sasha Ustinov, was played by Mikhail Medalin, a popular Russian rapper and blogger with a multi-million audience, also known by his stage name Gufee Medalin. This young adult fantasy film (12) is presented by Reversiya Film Company and the Memory of Victories Foundation.

According to the film's creators, the main goal of "Saving the Immortal" is to awaken in the younger generation a genetic memory of the exploits of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. The film is primarily aimed at the younger generation. The film's wide release is scheduled for Defender of the Fatherland Day, February 26, 2026.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 15, 2025

News editorial office

The winners of the annual "Guiding Star" tourism and hospitality awards have been announced. The ceremony took place at the Zaryadye Concert Hall. The best tourism industry professionals were announced and awarded in 23 categories. Mosfilm is among the winners!

For 26 years, the Moscow Government has been recognizing industry representatives who make the capital more attractive and comfortable. This year, the competition has 44 winners implementing significant projects for Moscow in the following categories: "People and Personnel," "Gastronomy and Shopping," "Culture and Entertainment," "Public Spaces and Urban Environment," "Hotels," "Media," and others. The jury also awarded the best tour guides, bloggers, restaurateurs, and others.

"We are honored to receive this high recognition from the Moscow Government. Today, the Cinema Center is truly one of the most sought-after cultural venues in the capital. It's important to emphasize that it's more than just a movie theater. Our venue's technical and organizational capabilities allow us to implement dozens of diverse projects—hosting events of any scale, complexity, and original format. We value this award and are thrilled to be able to provide Muscovites and visitors with joy and quality entertainment," noted Karen Shakhnazarov, General Director of the Mosfilm Film Concern.

The Mosfilm Cinema Center (Cinema Park Mosfilm), which opened in 2023, is one of the most iconic and sought-after venues and one of the most popular cultural destinations in Moscow. It offers special screenings, meetings with directors and actors, discussions with critics and experts, and screenings not available in many cinemas—from retrospectives to new festival films—as well as live broadcasts of cultural and sporting events, lectures, shows, and performances. The Mosfilm Cinema Center's facilities allow it to host events of varying scale and complexity, all with unique formats.

On Yandex Maps, the Cinema Center has a perfect score of 5.0 based on hundreds of ratings! This multifunctional complex boasts the best technical equipment in the country, including a Barco 4K laser projector, a massive 227-square-meter screen, a Dolby System 136 acoustic system for uniform sound distribution, and specialized stage equipment suitable for concerts and shows on the large stage. The other cinemas—one with 108 seats and two mini-cinemas with a capacity of 50 each—are also equipped with Barco 4K digital projectors and a Dolby Atmos audio system. Another advantage of the Mosfilm Cinema Center is its ample parking.

As a reminder, in 2024, the Mosfilm Cinema Center won the Active Citizen project's popular vote by a landslide in the category of "Country's Main Premiere Venue." Construction of this large-scale cinema complex was completed without state budget funding, as part of an investment project.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 12, 2025

News editorial office

Filming for director Anna Matison's film project "The Black Man," based on Sergei Yesenin's poem of the same name, took place in Mosfilm's Pavilion 9. The lead and only role is played by Sergei Bezrukov, People's Artist of the Russian Federation.

For one day, Mosfilm's Pavilion No. 9 was transformed into a metaphysical space to bring to life the visual dramaturgy of this highly complex work. Specially for the shoot, Mosfilm-Decorstroy specialists constructed a set that subtly emphasized the poem's atmosphere and metaphors, as well as the inner world of its lyrical protagonist.

The film's production is timed to coincide with significant dates. 2025 has been declared the Year of Yesenin in Russian culture, and October 2 marked the poet's 130th birthday. Sergei Yesenin's work is familiar to everyone, and according to bookstore surveys, he consistently remains one of the most popular authors among readers. But, as Sergei Bezrukov noted, there is one work that stands apart in Yesenin's career, resonating with everyone who encounters it. "The Black Man" is the famous poet's last major poetic work. According to Yesenin scholars, it expresses the poet's despair and horror at reality, a dramatic sense of the futility of any attempt to penetrate the mystery of existence.

"I've been reading 'The Black Man' for years, and this unique work draws people back again and again, to once again find themselves on the other side of consciousness, to experience something more than just rhymed words. It's the most requested poem; it's what brings a new, younger generation to our performances. That's why they are the main audience for our project!" Sergei Bezrukov noted in an exclusive comment for Mosfilm.ru.

The short film's director and production designer is Anna Matison, and the cinematographer is Pavel Beklemishev. The leading and only role is played by People's Artist of the Russian Federation Sergey Bezrukov. According to the project's creators, the idea of filming "The Black Man" has been in the works for a long time. The main goal is to create a powerful, visually rich work that will convey its depth and tragedy to a modern audience using the language of cinema.

"Shooting in a studio will allow us to achieve a high artistic standard, as it will allow us to control the light and atmosphere—critical to the realization of a creative idea," emphasized Sergei Bezrukov.

The premiere of the "Black Man" project will take place on December 28, the centenary of Sergei Yesenin's tragic death.

Production: Sergei Bezrukov Film Company.

Photo – Sergey Bezrukov's official website

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 11, 2025

News editorial office

The Russian Ministry of Culture is systematically working to provide citizens with up-to-date information on events in culture, history, literature, architecture, music, cinema, theater, folk traditions, and monuments. A key tool for this is the development of federal information resources.

The flagship of this work is portal "Culture.RF" — a unified online platform for the popularization of cultural heritage. The resource provides free access to a vast archive of knowledge: classical literature, collections of feature and documentary films, recordings of rare performances, lectures, articles, and interactive materials.

The portal also features a nationwide calendar of cultural events. Particular attention is given to special programs: the "Pushkin Card" for young people and a discounted admission program for SVO participants and their families.

A separate, important section is dedicated to the Great Patriotic War, featuring the multimedia project "Victory Map" from the Russian State Film Fund.

The Ministry of Culture considers it important to popularize the portal among all citizens, especially young people, in order to make it a resource for education and everyday life. Kultura.RF continues to develop, becoming the main digital window into the rich world of Russian culture.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 10, 2025

News editorial office

On December 9, the International Film Market and Forum "Russian Film Business" 25/26 opened at Mosfilm. This key business event will traditionally bring together over 2,000 film industry players from Russia, the CIS, and other countries and will serve as a platform for discussing trends, developing development strategies, and hosting exclusive presentations of resources, content, promotional campaigns, and film screenings.

The permanent venue for the forum is the Cinema Center (Mosfilm Cinema Park), a modern cinema complex with four screening rooms. Over the course of three days, it hosts presentations and screenings of films from leading distributors in Russia and the CIS, as well as a project marketplace.

Content presentations and film screenings will be held by distributors NMG Kinoprokat, Atmosfera Kino, Global Film, Kinologistika, Karo Premier, Exponenta Film, Paradis, World Pictures, Russian Reportage, Kapella Film, and others.

Mosfilm representatives—staff from the International Relations and Distribution Service, as well as the Central Production Department, the film concern's key division—will spend three days presenting the full range of services available to film and television production attendees at the Moscow Film Festival: Mosfilm's pavilions and backlots, equipment, cameras, lighting equipment, costumes and props, vintage and special-purpose vehicles, set construction, post-production studios, and more.

The business program will continue the theme "Brands and Cinema. Trends in Film Promotion." The Association of Cinema Owners will address pricing, loyalty systems, and the legal aspects of entrepreneurial activity in the film industry, as well as the immediate horizon for repertoire planning and other areas related to cinema operations.

One of the key tracks will be "Current Visualization Solutions for the Film Industry – 2025" from AUVIX, Russia's largest distributor of PROAV equipment.

The next stage of the project market took place on December 10th.

The program's panel of experts included distributors and cinema representatives: Ekaterina Bordacheva, CEO and creative producer of the Russian Film Business International Film Festival and selector of international film festivals; Alina Arslantürk, head of international distribution and co-production at the Turkish film company Kunay Film; Nadezhda Motina, president of Arna Media; Anton Nekhoroshev, director of film distribution at Pro:Vzglyad; Evgenia Stepanova, deputy CEO of Center Kino; Dmitry Bortnikov, PR director at SB Film; and Inna Kazakova, head of the repertory planning department at MTD Media. The program's curator and moderator is Nina Romodanovskaya, editor-in-chief of the ProfiCinema portal, PhD in economics, associate professor at the Gerasimov State Institute of Cinematography, and film marketing expert.

Among the major anticipated film market premieres are the fairy tale "Buratino" (NMG Film Distribution), the family adventure "Prostokvashino" (Atmosfera Kino), and the sequel to the comedy "For Palycha 2" (Karo Premier). A series of industry screenings for distributors, content management and selection services for online cinemas, television channels, and other digital media are planned for the parallel program on December 10 and 11. These include the biographical film about film and cultural studies expert "Razlogov" (participant in the pitch session).

The main objectives of the International Film and Film Festival "Russian Film Business" are:

– Promoting the development of the Russian film industry; – Presenting national and international box office, event, and independent content on the Russian market; – Promoting Russian and international film productions to the CIS markets; – Organizing a modern platform for communication and business communications, exclusive presentations of films, resources, content, promotional campaigns, and film screenings.

3 days of Business program, exclusive presentations and screenings in numbers: – 2000 participants – 20 presentations and conference sessions – 50 speakers and film business experts – 200 releases – 100 media outlets

As a reminder, from April 1 to 3, the Cinema Center hosted the spring session of the International Film Market and the Russian Film Business forum.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Vladimir Khotinenko began the master class not with theory, but with his personal story, which, he said, led him to film. An architect by training, he graduated with honors from the Sverdlovsk Architectural Institute and, to avoid three years of mandatory work, deliberately enlisted in the army. Serving in the convoy, transporting prisoners, and military life—this experience became his first schooling in life and his observations of humanity.

It was there, in the army, that a fateful meeting took place. A friend of his informed him that Nikita Mikhalkov was coming to Sverdlovsk for a creative meeting. Khotinenko, in uniform, attended the meeting and amazed the master with stories from his service.

"I told Mikhalkov a lot of stories. Brilliant, funny, and sometimes absurd. He listened and listened, and then said, 'When you finish your service, come and work with us,'" Vladimir Khotinenko recalled.

Thus began his journey into filmmaking. But the main topic of the meeting was the director's work with the actor.

CASTING IS NOT ABOUT QUANTITY, BUT ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THE SEARCH.

The director noted that he is skeptical of the current trend of auditioning 500 people for a role. He believes that the work of a casting director is not a mass selection process, but a deep understanding of the material and the director's vision.

He named Inna Shterengarts, one of the legendary assistant directors with whom he worked for many years, as his main mentor in this field. She was "a true Middle Ages woman," a theater enthusiast who toured every provincial theater, knew every production, and could accurately predict whether an actor would be right for a role.

"She gave me Makovetsky, Mironov, and all the main actors. As an assistant, she offered me interesting, carefully selected material, and then I decided whether it was my instrument or not. For me, choosing an actor is subconscious. Like in music. A Stradivarius violin and a Guarneri violin—they sound different, right? It's the same with actors. Personal contact is important to me, to understand whether we're on the same page," the director noted.

TESTING AS ART: FROM JOURNALISTIC INTERVIEWS TO “PHOTO STUDIO”.

Khotinenko has long abandoned the traditional audition, where an actor memorizes a scene from a script and performs it in a simulated setting. He creates a situation for the actor that best reveals their personality and potential.

For the film "Roy," the director filmed auditions in a hotel room. The actors were given the script to read, and then Khotinenko assumed the role of a journalist who had come to write an article about the film's events. He asked spontaneous questions, and the actors improvised, answering from the perspective of their characters.

"Then I put together a documentary film lasting over an hour. When the artistic committee watched it, some women cried. Because the actors weren't just playing characters; they were navigating the scene as they went along, answering my questions. And it turned out to be a truly living story," the director explains.

For the screen tests for the large-scale film "72 Meters," which featured many new submarine characters, Khotinenko devised a "photo studio" format. The crew built a stylized photo booth with palm trees. The actors arrived dressed "as if for a movie," and the director played the role of a chatty photographer, asking unexpected questions.

"I didn't formulate these questions in advance. I didn't warn the actors in advance. They answered spontaneously, and you could tell how much the actor already had in the role," the director noted after reviewing the audition materials with the course participants.

"THERE ARE NO RECIPES. THERE ARE CHANCE, LUCK, INTUITION, AND EDUCATION."

Vladimir Khotinenko emphasized that he constantly reinvented his filmmaking methodology, based on specific material and actors:

He asked the candidates for the lead female role in "The Muslim" to read not the script, but Nekrasov's poem "Frost, Red Nose." Poetry revealed the heroine's depth and tragedy.

During his audition for the film "1612," the director asked a Polish actor to read a character's monologue in his native language. Although he didn't understand Polish, the director captured the character's essential energy and inner essence.

While working with Andrei Krasko on the character of the submarine commander in "72 Meters," Khotinenko asked him a key question: "What would be your last words in life?" He replied, "Of course, I mean my wife." This resonated with the director's understanding of the character: on a submarine, such a commander is a king and a god, but at home, he's a henpecked husband. This contrast became the foundation of the character.

"The thing is, there are no recipes. Why? This isn't a lecture… To some extent, luck is also necessary, and we—I've always had a little bit of luck. And then there's intuition! That's incredibly important," Vladimir Khotinenko emphasized.

DIALOGUE WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE INDEPRIVABILITY OF THE ACTOR.

Answering questions from the audience, Vladimir Khotinenko discussed artificial intelligence (AI) in detail. The director is actively exploring the potential of neural networks in developing new projects, for example, for visualizing ideas or finding innovative solutions. However, his position is categorical:

"Without an actor, there's no cinema. And what artificial intelligence will never achieve—though some argue, I know for sure—is tactility. Did you know that tactility is at the core of our lives? Live emotion! We rely on our life experiences. That's something we can't replace."

In his opinion, AI can only displace those who already work in a formulaic manner. But true art, born from the live interaction between director and actor, in the unpredictability of human reactions, will remain the prerogative of humans.

"My firm conviction is that, regardless of its capabilities and the potential to displace others, we've chosen a profession in which we can 'displace' ourselves even without artificial intelligence… There's no need to be afraid, in my view. We just need to learn to communicate with it," Vladimir Khotinenko emphasized.

FINAL: "WHERE DO I START? CREATE A CHARACTER."

At the end of the master class, Vladimir Khotinenko gave the future casting directors his main piece of advice, which, as the director said, he learned from his entire career and from a “conversation” with Fyodor Dostoevsky himself (while working on the film adaptation of “Demons”).

"The saddest thing, and unfortunately, there's a lot of this in today's cinema, is when a character is just a person. When it's 'just a person,' you know? That's why I always say: you know where to start? Create, understand your character! Not a name, but their essence – through habits, the contents of their pockets, their appearance, and so on… A character is always more than just a role in a script. You have to find them, feel them, and then find them in a living actor," concluded Vladimir Khotinenko.

This is the quintessence of the master's approach: cinema as a search for living human truth, where technology, methods, and scripts are merely tools for discerning and capturing this truth in union with the most important material of cinema—the actor.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

November 28, 2025

Press service

1931

The Mosfilm Museum is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Its story isn't about dusty display cases, but about a living, breathing film industry. It's about cars that can be used for filming, sets that are still used today, and guides whose stories inspire tourists to change their professions. Mosfilm.ru explores how this unique corner of film magic was created and why it's adored by visitors from all over the world.

ABOUT THE INSPIRE AND FOUNDERS OF THE MOSFILM MUSEUM.

The history of the Mosfilm Museum began at the turn of the millennium. In the early 2000s, tours began somewhat spontaneously: they were taken over by the Mosfilminfo information center, led by Gayane Ambartsumyan. Initially, these were one-time events—like the Moscow International Film Festival weeks at Mosfilm—but demand grew exponentially! Groups of visitors were led around the vast studio grounds, learning about the history of Mosfilm, the workshops, sound stages, the sound studios, and more.

But Mosfilminfo staff quickly found it difficult to balance their regular work with the tours, which took at least an hour and a half to two hours. The decisive influence here was the will of Mosfilm General Director Karen Georgievich Shakhnazarov—it was on his initiative that the tours were established as a separate activity.

Museum building

Hall with costumes

Hall with camera equipment – 2000-2010.

Thus, in 2000, the museum found its first real home—in a building that had previously housed a machine shop, and in the turbulent 1990s, even housed… a car repair shop! It all began with two halls, initially displaying vintage cars. Gradually, the exhibition grew: a third hall displaying costumes was added, then a "model" hall (later housing camera equipment, lighting fixtures, and other rare film equipment).

A key period occurred around 2009-2010, when the adjacent restoration workshops finally vacated their premises. This created room for maneuver. Renowned set designer Lyudmila Kusakova created a new, permanent exhibition, accessible to visitors today. It is to her that the museum owes its recognizable style—the vibrant red, yellow, and blue walls, the colorful decoration of the gates, and the costume room. Lyudmila Mikhailovna designed the sets and costumes for the films "Poisons, or the World History of Poisonings," "The Tsaricide," "Andersen: Life Without Love," and many others. Bright, colorful, and distinctive, today they are true gems of the museum's collection.

Artist L.M. Kusakova (1935 – 2020)

"Old Moscow" naturalistic location

costumes from the film "Poisons, or the World History of Poisoning"

The formation of a permanent route was prompted by the emergence of new points of interest. In 2003, Lyudmila Kusakova designed the large-scale set, "Old Moscow," for the film "A Horseman Named Death." It opened for tours in 2004, a breakthrough event. With each passing year, the museum transformed into a vast labyrinth full of cinematic wonders! For example, in 2007, the tour route added an animatronic installation, "Viy," bringing the film's climactic scene to life. In 2010, the interior of the Russian Orthodox Church in Pavilion 14 was added. In 2013, a display of military equipment, including a tank from "White Tiger," opened. In 2020, an exhibition of Mosfilm awards from the studio's entire 100-year history opened in the foyer of the main building.

But a museum isn't just about its walls. It's about its people. Lyudmila Zhuravleva became the first official guide. Over the years, Natalya Fomicheva and Elena Morozova, the current head of the Mosfilm Excursion Bureau, have been recognizable and beloved faces of the museum for tours. The museum's staff is small—their schedules are booked months in advance.

Museum visitors (2000-2010)

guide Natalya Fomicheva

Head of the excursion bureau Elena Morozova

WHY DO THEY LOVE US?

Today, the Mosfilm Museum is more than just a museum exhibit or display; it's a living organism! On sale dates, tour tickets sell out in minutes! So what makes us so popular?

1. Intense emotions. Tours often end with applause, and many return to see the exhibits again and follow the tour route. "The power of impressions is such that they can change lives. There's a known case where someone who categorically didn't want to work as a guide attended a tour and… completely changed their mind. Being a guide here is a calling that requires charisma and perseverance. Those who endure the initial test of attention and are rewarded with recognition from the group remain in the profession for many years," notes museum director Elena Morozova.

2. The most grateful guests. Museum staff admit that the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable visitors are those from the regions. They arrive with a deep knowledge of Soviet cinema, and this applies not only to adults but also to children. There are cases when ten-year-olds come to the studio to see sets and props from their favorite films with their own eyes. One of the recent additions is the set used for the filming of the adventure detective film "Khitrovka: The Sign of Four."

3. A special approach. Mosfilm's management values not only official diplomas, but also numerous letters of gratitude from social organizations—centers for children with disabilities, children from social centers, WWII veterans, participants in the Soviet Military District, and many others. Since 2008, the museum has hosted over 1,500 groups free of charge, and this is a source of particular pride.

4. Unique exhibits and the status of a working studio. Visitors aren't bothered by the possibility that a vintage car might suddenly disappear from the exhibition because it was taken away for filming. The museum is honestly positioned from the outset as a living enterprise, not a static exhibition. Visitors understand and accept these rules, which only adds to the charm and authenticity of the place. Besides, where else can you see the famous helmet from "Gentlemen of Fortune" or a real 1920s Rolls-Royce, as featured in films by Karen Shakhnazarov and Nikita Mikhalkov?

THE PHENOMENON OF SUCCESS: FROM GARAGE TO THE TOP 10 MOSCOW MUSEUMS

The Mosfilm Museum has long since ceased to require advertising. It consistently ranks among the top 10 must-see places in Moscow. According to representatives of leading travel agencies, demand for tours of the film studio sometimes even exceeds that of the Kremlin and the Tretyakov Gallery. It's not uncommon for tourists to insist on including Mosfilm in their itinerary.

An exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Mosfilm

An exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Mosfilm

An exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Mosfilm

The opening of a hall in 2024 featuring a large-scale exhibition dedicated to the Mosfilm centenary (designed by artist Sergei Fevralev) has strengthened and elevated the status of the Mosfilm Museum. According to Elena Morozova, head of the Excursion Bureau, the exhibition is extremely popular! Over the past 25 years, the museum has welcomed over two million visitors from all over the world—from Europe, America, Africa, Asia, and elsewhere. The all-time attendance record was set in 2011, when 52 groups were accommodated in a single day! Among the visitors are not only sightseers but also students from film and creative arts universities and renowned filmmakers!

Today, the Mosfilm Museum is more than a collection of unique exhibits. It's a dream come true: that the magical world of cinema can be open to everyone. It's a place where history comes to life, and a love of cinema finds its most fervent response—in the eyes and applause of grateful audiences. We look forward to seeing you at Mosfilm!

The tour desk is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. All tours are by appointment only.

Morozova Elena LvovnaHead of the museum and excursion bureauTel./Fax: 7 (499) 143-9599

Arteeva Anastasia AleksandrovnaMuseum AdministratorTel./fax: 7 (499) 143-9599

More details at https://www.mosfilm.ru/excursions/

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 10, 2025

News editorial office

We all know that a museum is not only a place for inspiration and engaging leisure, but also an important platform for education. On December 4, the National Museum of Art and Photography once again reaffirmed this mission: members of the "I Know EdTech" expert council for the development of new technologies in education visited the renowned exhibition "Into the Cosmos of the Russian Soul."

Guests enjoyed a truly creative walk through the museum's halls: lively, improvised, with discussions and open emotions. Experts enthusiastically examined the works, asked questions, and shared their impressions.

Particularly delightful were the authentic prints on unique Sibachrome photo paper, which had previously been on display on board the ISS.

A photography competition was held among the participants on the topic: "Which of my photographs would I send into space as part of the project 'Into the Space of the Russian Soul'."

An expert panel of representatives from Komsomolskaya Pravda, Prolab, and the National Museum of Art and Photography at the Mosfilm Gallery selected three winning photographs. The winners received valuable prizes—tickets to Moscow theaters.

Then art gave way to technology—participants continued their conversation at a meeting sponsored and moderated by Komsomolskaya Pravda Publishing House, dedicated to modern education and EdTech.

Participants included representatives of leading Russian companies and universities:

– Yandex– Bauman Moscow State Technical University– RUDN University– Central University– ANO “Knowledge Hub MyOffice”, Astralinux, YADRO, HeadHunter, “Mobius Technologies”, Solar Group of Companies and others.

The participants then discussed the most pressing EdTech issues:

— development of online and face-to-face learning, — latest software and hardware solutions, — global trends and prospects for digital education.

Experts agree: modern technologies are already making learning more effective, engaging, and motivating. And real breakthroughs lie ahead, ones that will impact everyone studying in Russia!

Friends, subscribe to kanavin@yandex.ru. Director – Nikolay Kanavin. Moscow, Mosfilmovskaya St., 1, building 18.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

December 3, 2025

News editorial office

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Nearly two dozen diverse departments and divisions are involved in film and television production at Mosfilm. Prompt resolution of any emerging issues and maximum comfort for all organizers and participants in the filming process are the top priorities for every employee at the film concern. Here are the contact details for the heads of Mosfilm's key areas of activity.

Andrey Alekseevich Gushchin – Deputy General Director of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Mosfilm Film Concern”

Tel.: 7 (499) 143-9200 E-mail: pr@mosfilm.ruMain building, 3rd floor, room 318

Mosfilm remains grateful to all of its business partners and is open to new collaborations! We always appreciate your feedback.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.