Category: Russian Energy sector

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

As part of the business program of the 24th International Debut Film Festival "Spirit of Fire," a plenary session was held entitled "Children's and Family Content as a National Priority. The Role of Cinema in Shaping Values and the Future Generation." The festival's thematic focus in 2026 is "Children in Cinema."

The discussion was attended by the Governor of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra Ruslan Kukharuk; President of the International Debut Film Festival "Spirit of Fire" Emir Kusturica; Member of the Management Board of Gazprom Neft Alexander Dybal; Senior Vice President – Director of External Relations of PSB Vera Podguzova; Deputy General Director of Gazprom-Media Holding Yulia Golubeva; General Producer of 1-2-3 Production Artem Mikhalkovya; General Producer of Okko, President of the International Festival of Children's and Family Film and Animation "Bear Cub" Gavriil Gordeyev (online); director, screenwriter Alexey German; Chairman of the Board of Directors of JSC Film Studio "Soyuzmultfilm", General Director of JSC "Children's and Youth Film Studio named after M. Gorky" Yuliana Slashcheva; Director of the Beijing International Children's Film Festival Li Ge (China); Vice President of the BRICS Educational Film and Media Association Syed Sultan Ahmed, online (India); Chief Director of the Film Authority Birol Guven (Türkiye).

The focus is on the role of children's and family content as a national priority, the importance of film and animation in shaping the values and worldview of the younger generation, and the search for new artistic forms and sustainable industrial models in the children's and family film segment.

"Today, we are witnessing fundamental changes in the approach to developing children's and family content. State policy in this area has undergone a significant evolution, transforming from a simple area of focus into a strategic priority. This is especially important for Yugra, where one in nine families has many children, meaning issues of children's upbringing and cultural development directly impact the region's future."

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

In their presentations, the speakers discussed the challenges facing contemporary cinema, the formats and genres that audiences desire, the interest of global film markets in local content, the potential for international co-production, the impact of technological trends, and other issues that will shape the development of the film industry in the coming decades.

"The world has changed dramatically today, and competition for audience attention has become much more intense. Therefore, it's especially important to create a large number of good films—honest, powerful stories that can speak to people about values and meanings. Commercial success doesn't always equate to true quality, but a truly good film always remains in the viewer's heart and becomes part of the culture."

Emir Kusturica, President of the International Debut Film Festival "Spirit of Fire"

The Spirit of Fire festival has become a true cultural bridge, opening the way for Russian filmmakers to the BRICS markets. Today, BRICS represents half the planet's population and almost a third of global GDP. These are priority film markets for promoting Russian cinema and animation.

"The topic of 'Children in Cinema' is incredibly important. What our children watch today largely determines how they will view the world tomorrow. Cinema, to a large extent, lays the foundation for generations' worldviews. It gives people shared emotions, values, and role models."

Alexander Dybal, Member of the Management Board of Gazprom Neft

The festival's business program offers Russian filmmakers the opportunity to find co-production partners, establish creative exports, and propose scripts and stories that unite audiences around the world based on cultural consonance and shared values. In support of this value platform, the Roscongress Foundation is implementing the "Soul of Russia" project. This large-scale humanitarian initiative has already united 18 Russian regions, 10 countries, and over 50,000 participants. At this year's Spirit of Fire, the Roscongress Foundation will present a special award for the second consecutive year for participants in the international program: the "Soul of Russia. World Cinema" prize. It will be presented to the creator of a debut film for their contribution to the preservation of traditional spiritual values around the world.

"There's a lot of high-quality family-friendly content being made today, but there's a dearth of original projects and new characters. Of course, fairy tales and remakes are a significant and commercially successful part of the film industry, and they should continue to be made, but it's important to maintain a balance. If there aren't enough new stories and characters, we risk audience fatigue and a loss of interest in new releases overall. We recognize this challenge and are keeping it in focus. And I have no doubt that the films featured in this 24th Spirit of Fire festival will surprise us in this regard."

Yulia Golubeva, Deputy General Director of Gazprom-Media Holding

The Spirit of Fire International Film Festival has been held in Yugra since 2002 with the support of the regional government. The festival is Russia's largest international platform for emerging filmmakers. Gazprom Neft has supported Spirit of Fire for 19 years. The company co-organizes the festival's cultural and educational program and awards the best Russian film in the "For the Preservation of Cultural Traditions" category.

Gazprom-Media Holding is the main media partner of the film festival.

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.

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

As part of its PRO_Care corporate social responsibility program, Gazprom-Media Holding congratulated veterans of the special military operation on Defender of the Fatherland Day.

Representatives of Gazprom-Media Holding participated in events at the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces and the Moscow Military Commissariat to personally congratulate veterans of the special military operation on the holiday and support those who today guard the interests of the Motherland.

At the invitation of the General Staff, Antonina Priezzheva, the Holding's HR Director, attended a gala event dedicated to the anniversary of the founding of the Main Organizational and Mobilization Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. The event was organized to foster patriotic activism among personnel, preserve the glorious traditions of military service, and enhance the spiritual and moral development of the younger generation. Also in March, a gala meeting to congratulate veterans of the Air Defense Forces was held at the Moscow Military Commissariat. During the event, words of gratitude were expressed to veterans and participants of the special military operation for their courage, bravery, and dedication to duty, and valuable gifts from Gazprom-Media Holding were presented.

"It's important for us not just to offer words of support but to back them up with actions, including personally saying 'thank you' to those who do so much for our security. Defending the Fatherland isn't just a service; it's a daily heroic act, and we're pleased to have the opportunity to help veterans by providing whatever assistance and support we can."

Antonina Priezzheva, HR Director, Gazprom-Media Holding

This campaign marks another step in Gazprom-Media Holding's long-term strategy to support special operation veterans and their families. The goal of the Holding's corporate social responsibility policy is to demonstrate through action that we value and are proud of our heroes.

Gazprom-Media Holding and its companies regularly host patriotic events, including charity events, special film and play screenings, meetings with veterans and participants of the Special Military Forces, and more.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

The name of young Lieutenant Nikolai Pluzhnikov, the last defender of the Brest Fortress, has long since become legendary. And his image is a symbol of courage and a living memory of all the nameless heroes.

And now, a large-scale film adaptation of Boris Vasiliev's story has received the highest award: the educational prize "Knowledge."

For us, this film is more than a war drama. It's a true bridge between the pages of a textbook and our time, between the memory of the past and today's audiences. And we're delighted that the Znanie Prize, for the fifth year in a row, recognizes precisely such projects—those that make you not just watch, but feel, think, and understand.

The film was created for the 80th anniversary of the Victory by Gazprom-Media Holding, the NTV channel, the film companies TEMP, 1-2-3 Production, TROMEDIA and the Oleg Tabakov Moscow Theatre with the support of the Cinema Fund and the Moscow Government.

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

RUTUBE, together with the Dialogue Regions nonprofit organization, completed a special educational project for regional executive authorities and local governments aimed at developing competencies in creating and systematically managing channels on the video platform. Work to establish a sustainable government presence on RUTUBE began last November. By February, a comprehensive educational track had been implemented, including a series of webinars on the Dialogue PRO platform and a free online course, "Bloggers Academy," from RUTUBE.

During the training, participants gained practical knowledge about video hosting functionality, channel design and promotion principles, moderation features, and copyright management. A separate section was devoted to organic growth and systematic use of video content as a public communication tool.

The project spanned regions of the Russian Federation and became part of a broader goal: strengthening the digital presence of government agencies and improving the quality of communication with citizens. With video content remaining a key format for media consumption, developing competencies in this area is of strategic importance.

"RUTUBE, together with the Dialogue Regions nonprofit organization, completed a special educational project for regional executive authorities and local governments aimed at developing competencies in creating and systematically managing channels on the video platform."

Igor Pavlov, Director of the Department for Interaction with Government Agencies, RUTUBE

Work to establish a sustainable government presence on RUTUBE began last November. By February, a comprehensive educational track had been launched, including a series of webinars on the Dialogue PRO platform and a free online course, "Bloggers' Academy," from RUTUBE.

During the training, participants gained practical knowledge about video hosting functionality, channel design and promotion principles, moderation features, and copyright management. A separate section was devoted to organic growth and systematic use of video content as a public communication tool.

The project spanned regions of the Russian Federation and became part of a broader goal: strengthening the digital presence of government agencies and improving the quality of communication with citizens. With video content remaining a key media consumption format, developing competencies in this area is of strategic importance.

"Video is the most complex format in media, yet the most viral. It remains the top genre for media consumption. We're devoting special attention to it. Together with our colleagues at RUTUBE, we'll systematically establish collaboration on content creation, channel administrator training, and traffic management."

Kirill Istomin, First Deputy General Director of ANO Dialogue Regions

The training was a practical step toward institutionalizing video communications in the public sector. This is not a one-time initiative, but rather a systematic effort to create a modern media environment for interaction between government and society. Going forward, the partnership between RUTUBE and Dialogue Regions will focus on scaling up best practices and strengthening digital competencies at the regional level.

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.