Category: Arts

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

1186

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.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

November 26, 2025

News editorial office

1864

Mosfilm Film Concern provided charitable assistance to fourteen-year-old Timofey Yakubovsky from Mglin (Bryansk Region), purchasing a specialized standing device for the teenager with cerebral palsy. This is not the first time the film studio has helped the family: in 2019, Mosfilm representatives donated a specialized wheelchair to Timofey.

Timofey has been under constant medical supervision since early childhood. At just four months old, he underwent major heart surgery at the A.N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center for Cardiovascular Surgery. At eight months old, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. His complex treatment path includes numerous surgeries. In May of this year, he underwent a complex hip surgery—a triple osteotomy—after which he spent some time in a cast. Recently, some of the metal structures were removed, and according to the recommendations of the operating surgeon from the Turner National Medical Research Center, the boy requires a period of active verticalization with leg abduction in preparation for further knee and foot surgeries, scheduled for March of next year.

Timofey in October 2025; with his mother and brother in 2019.

It was at this crucial moment that Mosfilm came to the rescue again. The verticalizer allows Timofey's body to be safely and correctly stabilized, ensuring the necessary leg abduction, which is critical for his rehabilitation.

"A mother's heart will always be grateful to you! I will pray for all of you, that the Lord will help you in all your endeavors and endeavors, and that your loved ones will have no health problems. Thank you for your kind hearts—we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!" Olga Yakubovskaya, the teenager's mother, conveyed her sincere words of gratitude to the Mosfilm staff.

Purchasing a verticalizer was a vital step for the Yakubovskys – purchasing such an expensive device on their own for their large family was simply not feasible. Now Timofey has every chance to successfully prepare for the upcoming treatment and continue his challenging journey to better health!

Mosfilm is actively involved in charitable activities. The film concern provides financial and resource support to social organizations, including the Lyakhovsky Orphanage (Vladimir Region) and the Dream Fulfillment Charitable Foundation (Kazan). Furthermore, Mosfilm regularly organizes free excursions for veterans, residents of social centers and charitable foundations, and children with special needs. For Mosfilm, charitable activities are more than just an expense item; they represent a comprehensive approach to addressing the social needs of a wide range of social groups. And, of course, it is important for every employee of the film concern to provide children in difficult life situations with the opportunity to pursue their passions and to support their natural interests in learning, creativity, and sports.

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 24, 2025

News editorial office

1643

On November 19, filming for the fourth season of the musical show "Duets" (Rossiya TV channel) began at Mosfilm's Pavilion 9. This show is full of vocal mysteries and vivid emotions, musical intrigue, and unpredictable reactions from the stars. On stage, the most popular artists will perform hits beloved by millions.

The show's rules are such that the contestants won't know who they're singing with until the very last minute, as their partners' voices are distorted in their headphones. The clue will only be revealed at the end of the song, when a huge mirror wall rises, revealing the other member of the star duo. The only duo who won't have to hide from each other are the show's hosts, Nikolai Baskov and Sergey Lazarev.

The person behind the wall could be anyone: a young performer or a pop legend, a relative or a friend. However, each duet is no coincidence, and the participants share a bond that they will share with the audience. Previously, the show has featured renowned artists such as Philipp Kirkorov, Larisa Dolina, Lyubov Uspenskaya, Alexander Marshal, Sergey Penkin, and others.

Filming will take place in Mosfilm's Pavilion No. 9. To maintain the suspense, the show's creators have taken precautions to ensure none of the stars accidentally collide with their performance partners. The producers promise that the new season will amaze viewers with expansive sets, unexpected duets, and, of course, delight them with incredible orchestral performances and live performances of their greatest hits.

Episodes of the show will be available on the "Smotrim" media platform: http://look.ru/shov

Production: White Media

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.