Rosneft expands its range of fuel additives

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Company specialists have developed and successfully tested a multifunctional additive for motor gasoline, RN-MFP-1402. Adding this proprietary Rosneft additive to the fuel improves its environmental and performance characteristics.

Additional benefits of using this product include reduced engine friction, which increases efficiency and reduces fuel consumption, and protection of metal surfaces from corrosion. The RN-MFP-1402 multifunctional additive has undergone a full range of laboratory and engine rig tests, guaranteeing its effectiveness and safety. This development has been implemented into industrial production and is included in branded motor gasolines at Rosneft filling stations.

The Company's scientists also developed and successfully tested a multifunctional diesel fuel additive, RN-MFP-2403. Independent tests confirmed the additive's ability to reduce injector deposits and significantly improve engine cleanliness.

Studies of engine exhaust gas composition revealed the additive's positive effect on toxicity, which is particularly important in large cities, indoor and underground parking lots, and garages. In addition to these advantages, the diesel additive, like the gasoline additive, has undergone a comprehensive safety testing program and is recommended for commercialization.

Rosneft's quality management system includes regular monitoring of fuels and additives: samples from randomly selected batches undergo additional testing, eliminating the possibility of delivering low-quality products to the end consumer.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft March 11, 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.

On March 10, 2026, Gazprom-Media Holding summarized the results of the PROfnavigator project for February.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Gazprom – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Gazprom-Media Holding organized 10 events in February as part of the PROfnavigator educational career guidance project. The holding is actively working with the younger generation interested in the media sector as a potential avenue for professional growth. Through the PROfnavigator project, Gazprom-Media Holding helps young people choose a career in the media industry and develop pre-professional skills.

On February 1st and 2nd, the State Park of the KIT organized a screening of the film "Palma 2" for children at the All-Russian Children's Center "Ocean", and a screening of the film "Ognivo" for children at the All-Russian Children's Center "Scarlet Sails".

On February 4, Maria Ageeva, Head of Special Projects Development and Implementation at GPM Reklama, gave a lecture for HSE students on "Digital. Advertising Market Structure, Key Players, Main Categories, Tools, and Successful Case Studies."

On February 11, Georgy Ryumin, creative producer at GPM KIT, held an open lecture for Moscow State University students entitled "Producing as a Lifestyle" as part of the Faculty of Production's project "Intellectual Start for Future Leaders. Through Practice to a Profession." Together with the students, he created a profile of the ideal producer—the qualities, habits, and superpowers that make up that ideal.

On February 12, Georgy Ryumin, creative producer at GPM KIT, held a master class, "The Art of Presentation," for students at Zelenograd's TINS Hall School. The speaker shared the secrets of storytelling and interactive delivery, explained how to avoid boring clichés and connect with any audience.

On February 15, as part of the Tenth All-Russian "Give Books with Love" campaign, the State Children's Museum of Art (GPM KIT) held a special screening of the film "Ognivo" for children at the Russian State Children's Library's Cinema and Concert Hall. The film also hosted a creative meeting with Antonina Boyko, who plays Dasha.

On February 17, Daniil Ryazantsev, Head of Digital Sales for TNT and TNT4 at GPM Advertising, gave a lecture for HSE students on the topic: "Special Projects: Three Pillars of Successful Projects, Case Studies, and Developing Creative Ideas for Special Projects."

On February 18, as part of Promo Fext Pay-TV, Georgy Ryumin, creative producer at GPM KIT, held a master class on modern approaches to creating effective promotional content.

On February 24, the Children's Radio team gave a tour for students from the Sviblovo School media class. Host Super Garik gave a fascinating lecture about the radio station. The students visited the Children's Radio Museum and the on-air studio. During the tour, the students learned the history of Russian radio broadcasting, learned about programs on Children's Radio, and saw how the first radio receiver worked. The students also recorded an audio greeting for the station's listeners.

On February 27, at the St. Petersburg State University Graduate School of Management campus, as part of the Youth Day of the National "ESG Principles Headliners 2025" awards, established by the ESG Media Agency for Reputation Management in Sustainable Development, Anton Borzdy, head of the Central Fire and Rescue Department of St. Petersburg and a participant in the second season of the shows "Titans" and "Titans. Battle of the Seasons" on TNT, spoke at the panel session "Sustainable Development in the World of Sports." Anton Borzdy shared his perspective on the connection between sports and the daily work of a firefighter. He emphasized that participating in the show "Titans" on TNT was not just a challenge for him, but an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of physical fitness in his profession. Anton Borzdy's presentation served as an inspiring example for young people, demonstrating how sports and participation in the large-scale projects "Titans" and "Titans. Battle of the Seasons" can contribute to the development of sports and the development of firefighting. The Battle of the Seasons on TNT and the daily work of a firefighter are united into a single system of values: discipline, love for one's work, and a willingness to always come to the rescue.

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.

Rosneft improves the accuracy of oil-saturated deposit forecasts

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Specialists from Rosneft's Tyumen Research Institute have created a unique seismic facies model of the Russkoye field, which will allow for more accurate determination of oil-bearing zones during well drilling.

Extensive work to develop the model included studies of sedimentation conditions, wave field characteristics based on seismic data, and well data analysis. The model was tested in 90 wells and confirmed its high effectiveness.

This innovation provides a more detailed understanding of the geological structure of the subsurface. The model has doubled the accuracy of reservoir top location and increased the accuracy of oil-saturated thickness by a third. Implementing the model into the drilling support strategy will allow the Company to increase well potential and improve the economics of the project to develop Russia's largest high-viscosity oil field.

Developing technological potential is a key element of the Rosneft-2030 strategy. The company prioritizes innovation, identifying technological leadership as a key factor in competitiveness in the oil market.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft March 10, 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.

Rosneft has developed a new version of its geological modeling software suite.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Specialists from the Ufa Scientific Institute and the Rosneft Center for the Development and Implementation of Science-Intensive Technologies have improved the corporate software package for geological modeling, RN-GEOSIM.

RN-GEOSIM version 3.0 expands the capabilities for creating large 3D models for geological modeling of unique fields such as Priobskoye and Samotlorskoye. Furthermore, models can now include complex geological structures such as inclined faults, pinch-out zones, and displacements of rock layers.

The new version of the software package can automatically—with minimal user intervention—create models and perform their assessment, which allows for a 15% acceleration in the construction of geological models.

The economic impact of implementing RN-GEOSIM exceeds 700 million rubles annually due to the elimination of costs for the acquisition and technical support of third-party software.

RN-GEOSIM is currently building 80% of the Company's new geological models, and is transitioning to 100% implementation. By 2025, more than 180 models of the Company's fields will have been built using the software suite.

Rosneft is a leader in the development and implementation of innovative technologies for the sustainable development of the oil and gas industry and the only Russian oil and gas company with its own line of import-substituting software.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft March 10, 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.

March 10, 2026: From Competition to Cooperation: What was discussed at the CSTB.PRO.MEDIA 2026 Media Industry Forum

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Gazprom – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The 28th CSTB.PRO.MEDIA Media Industry Forum, held in Moscow on February 17–18, 2026, has concluded. The 2026 business program featured 16 sessions, panel discussions, and roundtables featuring over 160 speakers. The exhibition showcased industry solutions from over 180 brands, offering innovative solutions in content production, distribution, and dissemination.

As per tradition, the forum's business program opened with the Strategic Session "The Media Industry in 2026: Content, Technology, and Audience." Moderator: Denis Kuskov, CEO of the Telecom Daily Information and Analytical Agency. The session began with a presentation by Ksenia Achkasova, Executive Director of Mediascope. The speaker discussed the modernization of media measurement and noted that the company has been actively using Russian tools since 2025, and plans to further develop this process in 2026 through the expansion of TV panels, the CrossWeb project, and smartphones.

Speaking about the industry's immediate prospects, Yulia Golubeva, Deputy CEO of Gazprom-Media Holding, announced that starting this year, the Cinema Fund will introduce an additional mandatory document required for applications to participate in the funding competition. She explained that this form describes not only the film's values, as the applicant believes, but also the specific character arcs, cinematic tools, and visual techniques that will reflect and promote a particular value or state priority. The speaker also noted that up to 30% of total online viewing is comprised of television channels and their content, including those using the Vitrina TV software.

At the end of the discussion, all participants concluded that the industry is seeing a trend toward cooperation. The struggle for sole leadership is being replaced by conscious partnerships. Media holdings, online cinemas, and content producers are increasingly joining forces on joint projects, recognizing that it is becoming impossible to bear the high costs of production and promotion independently.

The session "Entertainment Content on TV and Digital" brought together top experts to discuss the future of entertainment in the era of hybrid broadcasting. The session was moderated by Alexey Korlyakov, Head of Format Acquisitions and Research at TNT. The experts primarily addressed the topic of trends, noting the current trend toward nostalgia. Alexey Fedorov, Director of the In-House Production Department at PREMIER and RUTUBE, stated that brand-based projects are a trend. "Organic brands that reach the heart are more in demand than inorganic brands," Lika Blank, film and TV producer, added. "The trend toward nostalgia emerged worldwide after COVID-19, during a creative crisis when creativity ceased."

At the session "International Distribution of Russian Content," key industry experts discussed which genres are in demand abroad today, which regions are worth focusing on, and how to adapt Russian content for international audiences without losing its national identity. Nikolai Zlatopolsky, Director of International Sales at Central Partnership, emphasized that historical war films, as well as adaptations of classic works familiar to audiences worldwide, are demonstrating the greatest success in the international market.

The "TV in a Digital Environment" session discussed audiences, the specifics of online TV advertising, and media holdings' collaboration with internet companies. Darya Pugacheva, Director of the Research Department at Gazprom-Media Holding, stated that today, platforms struggle to survive without television content. Television retains subscribers between premieres and satisfies the audience's demand for "make a choice for me." Originals cost almost as much to produce as TV content, and mass-market hits are few and far between. Furthermore, TV premieres are cheaper to purchase and already come with paid marketing by the channel. Figures show that TV content is holding its own: monthly TV reach is 137 million viewers, and out-of-home TV viewing is expected to grow by 14% in 2025 (Mediascope). More than 80% of PREMIER viewers watch TV series, while RUTUBE views have increased by 38% year-on-year. The platform's top 10 creators include four TV channels: TNT, Channel One, NTV, and Pyatnitsa! Television is expanding its presence today and, among other things, is becoming a driver of growth for online cinemas.

At the "Vertical Content" session, experts discussed the demand and potential of microdramas, ways to promote vertical series, and also touched on the topic of AI in microdrama production. Artem Andreev, Head of Project Implementation at Insight People, noted that microdramas are not only a business but also a reputational and image-building tool.

The panel discussion "Online Cinemas: How Content Policy Is Changing in a Saturated Market and Rising Costs of Originals" focused on monetization, platform content strategy, the use of cutting-edge technologies, and the quality of content produced. Maria Istomina, editor of the Media and Culture section at Vedomosti newspaper, moderated the discussion. The discussion began with a presentation by Denis Kuskov, head of Telecom Media. According to Telecom Media research, by 2025, 71% of online cinema users will watch content via subscription, and 41% will choose streaming to watch live TV channels. David Kocharov, general producer of PREMIER and RUTUBE, stated that creating event-driven series is essential today. There's no point in making run-of-the-mill projects. Everyone is betting on either a franchise or strong content these days. Kocharov also announced that RUTUBE will begin supporting film distribution. The service will be used to create events on the platform for film releases.

For the first time, the forum featured master classes on creating promotional videos. Georgy Ryumin, creative producer at GPM KIT (Gazprom-Media Holding), moderated the event. Speakers agreed: sincerity—real emotions, honest stories, and unadulterated content—is valued today. Authenticity is becoming a new strategic resource for brands. "The main trend is sincerity. People are tired of perfect people, of glossy images. They want to see people like them."

Over the course of two days, more than 5,700 industry professionals attended the CSTB.PRO.MEDIA 2026 business events. Gazprom-Media Holding acted as a forum partner.

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.

Rosneft supports educational and ethnographic projects in Evenkia

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The East Siberian Oil and Gas Company and Slavneft-Krasnoyarskneftegaz (Rosneft subsidiaries) held a competition and awarded new grants to support initiatives of practical importance to the Evenki District of Krasnoyarsk Krai. Grants were awarded to projects aimed at preserving the region's rich natural and cultural heritage.

An educational project to create a guide to rare and game birds of Evenkia received support. For indigenous peoples living in the harsh climate and remoteness from large settlements, bird hunting is an important traditional form of nature management. However, in addition to game birds, Evenkia is home to approximately 40 species of rare birds. To preserve rare species and improve environmental awareness among the local population, the guide is planned to be distributed among indigenous peoples' associations of the north, educational organizations, and regional authorities. The collection will seamlessly synthesize scientific ornithological data and the practical knowledge of indigenous peoples. Descriptions will include photographs, characteristics, and details that make it easy to identify birds in the field, as well as Evenki names and folklore associated with each species.

The second grant will support the ethnocultural project "Living Thread of the North." It will bring together knowledge about Evenki folklore, traditional crafts, and ornamental art in two formats: printed and digital. An illustrated album will describe their daily life, customs, and beliefs, as well as the secrets of their artisans. The digital version of the systematized data will form the basis for an educational platform dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Evenki, aimed at the younger generation and anyone interested in the ethnic groups of Eastern Siberia. The project coincides with the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and will make a significant contribution to strengthening interethnic dialogue.

Preserving the national cultures of the indigenous peoples of the North and their traditional way of life is a key focus of Rosneft's social policy. The company and its subsidiaries in the regions where they operate implement numerous social projects aimed at supporting the traditional way of life of indigenous peoples, developing educational initiatives, and educating the younger generation.

Reference:

Rosneft's grant program has been in operation for over 10 years. During this time, the oil company has supported 35 scientific research, environmental, and cultural and educational projects, including those aimed at preserving the national culture and traditional way of life of the indigenous people of Evenkia.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft March 6, 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.

On March 6, 2026, Gazprom-Media Holding CEO Alexander Zharov congratulated the staff of Central Partnership LLC on its 30th anniversary.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Gazprom – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

"Over the past few years, the company has gone through all stages of evolution: from purely television distribution to in-house production, and today it is the undisputed leader in Russian film distribution. 30 years is a wonderful age, reflecting both maturity and youth. I am convinced that the company's most exciting creative projects and impressive results are still ahead."

Alexander Zharov, General Director of Gazprom-Media Holding

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.

March 5, 2026: More than 600 students began training as part of the "A Counselor for Everyone" project.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Gazprom – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On March 5, an educational program for future camp counselors for the inclusive "Counselor for Everyone" project launched. In the month since the recruitment announcement, over 600 people have applied. Participants will be students from Moscow and the Moscow region, ready to gain a sought-after qualification and begin working with children with disabilities and special needs in children's camps this summer. The initiative is being implemented by the Mikhail Kiselev Charitable Foundation and Gazprom-Media Holding, with the support of Russian Student Teams and a grant from the Mayor of Moscow. The project aims to address the shortage of specialized personnel and create conditions for quality recreation for more than 57,000 children with disabilities living in the capital. Well-known media personalities and project managers addressed the participants in the educational program. Participants were greeted by Mikhail Kiselev, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the RSO, and the Board of Trustees of the Charitable Foundation; Alexander Zharov, CEO of Gazprom-Media Holding; host Pavel Volya; and TV presenter Elmira Efendieva.

"The organizing team and I are impressed by the enthusiasm and interest of our young people—over 600 people applied for the training, which means there's a huge demand for humaneness and inclusive interaction skills in children's recreation. The kids have two months of intensive work ahead of them. We're providing them with not just theory, but practical tools to ensure every child feels welcome and comfortable at the camp. I wish the project participants success—you're part of a team that cares."

Mikhail Kiselev, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the RSO and the Board of Trustees of the Charitable Foundation

"It was important for Gazprom-Media Holding to support this initiative, because this is precisely the case when the media should be not just observers but active participants. The path of future camp counselors is unique: they become not just camp counselors, but inclusive camp counselors—specialists who create a space of trust, support, and opportunity for every child. Gazprom-Media Holding, as a strategic partner, will provide comprehensive media support to the project. Our television channels, radio stations, and digital platforms will broadcast this good deed, its results, and the happy children's smiles that were the goal of this whole undertaking throughout the year," shared the CEO of Gazprom-Media Holding.

Alexander Zharov, General Director of Gazprom-Media Holding

The training program, developed by Russian student teams, includes 12 lectures, combined into four key blocks: the basics of inclusion, psychological and pedagogical support for children with disabilities and disabilities, ethics and communication, as well as organizing activities and safety in an inclusive team. Leading subject matter experts are involved in teaching: employees of the All-Russian Children’s Center “Scarlet Sails”; Natalya Sedelnikova (author of the project to support the visually impaired and blind “The World is Different”, a bearer of experience); Elena Pisareva (Head of the Center for the Development of the Sphere of Recreation and Health Improvement for Children, FSBEI DOK “Progress”); Alexander Belov (psychiatrist, head of the medical department of the Road of Life Charitable Foundation); Denis Samoilov (clinical psychologist); Polina Komarova (Head of the direction of student teaching teams of the Central Headquarters of the Russian North Ossetia); Dmitry Zapolskikh (Deputy Director for Educational Work of the Autonomous Educational Institution “Forest Fairy Tale”). Teachers from the Department of Typhlopedagogy of the Moscow City Pedagogical University: Indira Ismailova and Irina Loseva, as well as graduate students, were involved in recording the workshop. The training is based on a combination of theory and practice. Participants study video lectures and complete independent work assignments aimed at consolidating the material. In addition to the distance format, in-person workshops and seminars are planned for students: workshop “Communication and Interaction”; workshop “Adaptation of games and activities”; meeting with an expert on the topic “Specifics of the work of a counselor in an inclusive team: challenges, resources, effective practices.” The outcome of the course will be certification, which will take place in two stages: online testing to test theoretical knowledge and preparation of an adapted shift program for a detachment with children with special needs. As a result, 300 people will be selected who will receive a certificate of additional qualifications and guaranteed employment in Moscow children’s camps and health centers in the summer 2026. The educational course will last until May 15.

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.

Rosneft has improved its technology for producing heat-resistant bitumen materials.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Specialists at Rosneft's research institute have improved their bitumen production technology. The production of heat-resistant road bitumen for Russia's southern regions, using this improved technology, will contribute to the implementation of the "Infrastructure for Life" national project.

Pilot-industrial testing of the production of BND 40/60 grade bitumen with improved performance properties was carried out at the Company's oil refining assets; confirmation of their quality was received, and industrial production began.

Improved bitumens are capable of withstanding increased traffic loads in road structures and have an extended operating temperature range from minus 20 to plus 50 degrees Celsius. The technology takes into account factors that influence the road surface's resistance to defects, which is especially important given the increasing load on the road network.

Rosneft has been implementing innovative bitumen production technologies for many years and is expanding the geography of its next-generation petroleum bitumen production. Over the past few months, over five thousand tons of bitumen produced using this improved technology have been delivered to Russian regions, enabling the construction of over 1,000 km of high-quality, two-lane road networks.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft, March 5, 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.

On March 4, 2026, the 24th International Debut Film Festival "Spirit of Fire" announced its program and jury.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Gazprom – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On March 4, the TASS news agency press center hosted the official press conference for the 24th International Debut Film Festival "Spirit of Fire," which will take place in Khanty-Mansiysk from March 12 to 16. Gazprom-Media Holding is the festival's main media partner.

The press conference was attended by Ruslan Kukharuk, Governor of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra; Anna Yarina, Director of the Cinematography Department of the Russian Ministry of Culture; Maria Zvereva, Vice President of the Film Festival; Petr Shepotinnik, Chair of the Film Festival Selection Committee; and Elena Marinina, Deputy Director of the Roscongress Foundation.

They announced the festival's competition program participants and the jury members for the international and Russian competitions, announced non-competition screenings, cultural, business, and educational programs, and spoke about the 2026 thematic focus—"Children in Cinema," as well as the festival's international reach and key events for the upcoming festival.

In 2026, 630 applications from 39 countries were received for participation in the festival, which once again confirms the high international interest in the Spirit of Fire and its key programs.

52 applications were submitted to the international competition, 464 to the short film competition, 83 to the Russian debuts competition, and 31 to the “Your Cinema” program.

They came from Australia, Austria, Argentina, Brazil, Hungary, Ghana, Germany, Greece, Egypt, Israel, India, Indonesia, Iran, Spain, Italy, Kazakhstan, Canada, Qatar, China, Colombia, Cuba, Kyrgyzstan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Nepal, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Sudan, the United States, Tunisia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, France, Switzerland, and South Africa.

"Today, we see a tremendous demand for national content, for embracing our roots through film. This trend is reflected in our festival program. In the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, we have dedicated a separate section dedicated to the cultural diversity of our country's indigenous ethnic groups. Addressing the topic of films about the people of the North, it's impossible not to mention the special project "Shot in Yugra." Its program features films made in our region and tells the story of the people who live, work, preserve traditions, and shape Yugra's future. Another important change is the expansion of the festival's venues. This year, the National Center "Russia" in Khanty-Mansiysk will host business and educational programs. It's symbolic that the venue created to showcase the country's achievements will also become the center of dialogue about the future of cinema and the preservation of cultural heritage."

Ruslan Kukharuk, Governor of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra

"Debut films are one of the key areas of support from the Russian Ministry of Culture. Our goal is to give young filmmakers the opportunity to test their skills, regardless of age, education, or previous professional experience. The most important thing is a desire to engage with the audience, a project, and a team that can help the debutant realize their first film. This is why festivals like Spirit of Fire play a vital role: they create a space for dialogue where young filmmakers can present their work, exchange ideas, and find new partners for future projects. We also place great emphasis on children's and family films. Today, it is especially important to speak to children in a language they understand, conveying through film the values and meanings that shape the cultural and social foundation of future generations. Cinema is one of the most accessible and popular art forms, and that is why it should help convey spiritual and moral guidelines and unifying values. At the same time, international interest in Russian film festivals remains high. Every year, we see an increase in the number of applications and the participation of filmmakers from various countries—not only from the CIS, but also from India, China, and Latin America. This confirms that cultural dialogue continues, and festivals are becoming an important platform for exchanging experiences and developing international cooperation in cinema."

Anna Yarina, Director of the Cinematography Department of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation

“24 years is a very long time for an international festival. The “spirit of fire” changes, grows, it is alive. For any living organism, two things are important – genetics and living conditions. Everything is fine with our genetics, because the festival was created by Sergei Solovyov – an incredibly talented person, open to new things and at the same time deeply respecting traditions and craftsmanship. We try to preserve this genetic code: the festival remains a platform for debutants, but at the same time, masters are always present here, special screenings and creative meetings are held, where experience is passed on to young filmmakers. We are incredibly lucky with our living conditions. First of all, with the region in which the festival is taking place. The Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Ugra creates truly unique conditions for the “Spirit of Fire”. There are modern venues and high-quality technical facilities here, but the most important thing is support from the region, which understands that access to culture and art is no less important for people than material living conditions. The thematic focus for 2026 is “Children in Cinema.” We deliberately chose this topic because children’s and family cinema shapes the values ​​and cultural code of future generations, and we see how children always come to our programs with great interest. As part of the festival, the international children’s and youth competition program “Your Cinema” will be presented, educational events, master classes and an animation laboratory will be held. The cultural program also includes special events for children. A separate evening will be dedicated to the Gorky Film Studio, during which the all-Russian premiere of the film “The Adventures of the Yellow Suitcase” will take place. The children of Ugra will be the first to see it, and the painting by Yulian Slashchev will be presented. In addition, there will be a special screening of the film “Pinocchio”, which will be presented by Fyodor Bondarchuk. In general, the cultural program of the festival is always very broad – we try to bring not only cinema, but also theatrical projects and concerts. The program includes a musical performance “From the Life of the Planets,” dedicated to unmade films of the Thaw era: actor Oleg Nesterov tells the stories of unrealized film projects of the 1960s, and the Megapolis group performs imaginary soundtracks for them. “The audience will also enjoy a fairy tale with the orchestra “The Scarlet Flower” with Kristina Babushkina, a concert by the group “Bravo”, and the festival will end with the performance-concert “Good Songs” by Alexandra Ursulyak, dedicated to the musical hits of past decades.”

Maria Zvereva, Vice President of the Film Festival

She also introduced the jury. The international jury included:

Lu Wei (China) — jury chairperson, one of the most influential Chinese screenwriters known on the international arena; Ndamo Damaris (Cameroon) — actress, director and public figure; Jaime Christian Noguera Martin (Spain) — festival organizer, film critic and writer; Goran Radovanović (Serbia) — screenwriter, director and producer; Yuliana Slashcheva (Russia) — chairperson of the board of directors of JSC Soyuzmultfilm Film Studio and general director of JSC Gorky Children's and Youth Film Studio.

The following became members of the Russian jury:

Andrey Proshkin – jury chairman, film director and screenwriter; Evgeny Margulis – musician, composer, songwriter and performer, TV presenter and actor; Maria Solovieva – director of photography; Alexandra Ursulyak – theater and film actress; Leonid Yarmolnik – theater, film and television actor, radio and TV presenter, producer and public figure.

The festival's opening film will be Pierre Richard's "The Man Who Saw a Bear Who Saw a Man." Pierre Richard directed, wrote, and starred in the film. Ivan Samokhvalov and Gavriil Gordeev served as executive producers. The film's first screening took place last year in Cannes.

Petr Shepotinnik announced the participants of the international and Russian debut competition.

Films in the International Debut Competition:“Deaf” (Sorda / Deaf), directed and written by Eva Libertad García López, Spain“Far in the Middle of the East” (Door dar mianeḥ shargh / Far in the Middle of the East), directed and written by Arash Anisi, Iran – Austria“All Quiet at Sunrise” (Shi jie ri chu shi / All Quiet at Sunrise), directed and written by Zhu Xin, China“The Luminous Life” (A Vida Luminosa / The Luminous Life), directed and written by João Rosas, Portugal – France“The Coin” (The Coin), directed by Emiliano Dante, Italy – Serbia“Night Is Fading Away” (La noche está marchándose ya / Night Is Fading Away), directed, written and filmed by Ezequiel Salinas, Ramiro Sonsini, Argentina; Songs of the Moon King, director, screenwriter, and artist; Nastasya Lapshina, Russia; Shape of Momo, director Tribeni Rai, India, Republic of Korea

Films from the Russian Debut Competition:

In the Mountains. He, directed and written by Said Tolgurov; Greatness of Absence, directed by SF9987ND (Sofia Fedorova, Nikita Dobrynin); Eclipse, directed by Igor Kagramanov; Sanding Dreams, directed and written by Anton Mamykin; Mari Fairy Tales, directed by Denis Shabliy; Eigengrau, directed and written by Murad Beglyarov

“Spirit of Fire” is the leading debut film festival in Russia and abroad and one of the main platforms for young directors. Its initiator in 2002 was People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, film director Sergei Solovyov, who remained the permanent president for almost twenty years. Since 2023, the new president of the festival is the famous world film director Emir Kusturica. The Spirit of Fire festival is held with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. The festival has been held with the constant support of the Government of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Ugra since its foundation. Since 2007, the Spirit of Fire film festival has been held with the support of Gazprom Neft. The company co-organizes the festival and its cultural and educational program and awards the best Russian film in the category “For the Preservation of Cultural Traditions.” The festival’s communication partner is the Roscongress Foundation. The main prize for the best debut film in the international competition, awarded with the Golden Taiga statuette, is one million rubles. The “Silver Taiga” prize is 400 thousand rubles, and the “Bronze Taiga” prize is 200 thousand rubles. The “Flowers of Taiga Hope” prize, which is awarded based on the results of audience voting, is 150 thousand rubles. The Golden Taiga prize named after Sergei Solovyov for the best domestic debut film has been increased to 700 thousand rubles. The co-organizer of the film festival, the Gazprom Neft company, awards a special prize to the debutant director of the Russian competition program “For the Preservation of Cultural Traditions”, the amount of which is 800 thousand rubles. The special Film-in-Production competition provides a unique opportunity for projects currently in production to receive support for completion. The winner is awarded a grant in the amount of one million rubles. The prize from the film festival’s communication partner, the Roscongress Foundation, is awarded to the director of a film participating in the International Competition Program “Soul of Russia. World Cinema” for the preservation of traditional spiritual values ​​in the world. The size of this prize is one million rubles.

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.