The programme of the XXII International Debut Film Festival “Spirit of Fire” includes business sessions and educational events. The event, which will take place in Khanty-Mansiysk from 23 to 26 March, is included in the plan of Russia’s presidency in BRICS in 2024. TV BRICS is the international media partner of the festival.

The main theme of the event’s business programme is “The Special Language of BRICS National Cinematography”. The planned discussions will focus on the development of the film industry, film education and cultural exchange. They will feature Russian and international industry leaders, media managers and public figures. The session “BRICS Film Festivals as Tools for Bringing National Films to International Markets” will be moderated by Irina Sidorova, Head of International Projects of TV BRICS.

The festival participants will discuss the specifics of film industry development in the BRICS countries, issues of joint film production, content promotion, the practice of mutual film screenings, the creation of professional staff exchange programmes, and measures to preserve heritage and national identity. Plenary session “Connecting Bridges. Intercultural Dialogue and New BRICS+ Partnerships” will be devoted to discussing the strengthening of multilateral partnerships in the film industry, which could become a promising area of cooperation between the BRICS countries, support the development of intercultural communication and open up new prospects for cinematographic art and cultural exchange.

The sessions “Education as an Investment in the Future of the Film Industry” and “Filmed in Russia. Regions as Centres of Film Production”, “Film Dialogue: Russia-Iran” and “BRICS Film Festivals as Tools for Bringing National Films to International Markets”.

Masoud Ahmadvand, Head of the Cultural Mission at the Iranian Embassy in Russia, Behrouz Shoaybi, film director and actor, Natalia Komarova, Governor of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra, Dmitry Davidenko, Director of the Department of Cinematography and Digital Development of the Ministry of Culture of Russia, Vladimir Malyshev, Rector of the Gerasimov All-Russian State University of Cinematography, and others have been invited to take part in the discussions. During the business programme of the XXII International Debut Film Festival “Spirit of Fire” experts will discuss international cooperation in the sphere of cinematography and joint film production, the creation of a film education system with the BRICS countries, the development of cultural heritage and identity as a competitive advantage and the role of creative industries as an important factor in the growth of national economies.

The Roscongress Foundation is the operator of the events during Russia’s BRICS Presidency and the Festival’s communications partner.

Photo: The Roscongress Foundation