How did the opening of the anniversary film festival "Gorky fest - 2026" go?

      July 4, 2026 12:30 Culture and Leisure NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" - Polina Zubova On July 3, the grand opening of the tenth festival of new Russian cinema "Gorky fest" (18+) took place at the Gorky Drama Theater in Nizhny Novgorod. Traditionally, well-known actors, directors, and representatives of the film industry attended the film screening. The evening began with a red carpet. The first to walk it were the festival president, People's Artist of the Russian Federation Mikhail Porechenkov, and the festival's general producer, director Oksana Mikheeva, along with their families.

      "The program turned out to be wonderful. Andrei Apostolov worked tirelessly. We tried to make it as rich as possible and cover a variety of topics, including a program dedicated to the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia," said Mikhail Porechenkov and Oksana Mikheeva.

      The red carpet was also walked by both recognized figures in cinema and young actors who have already made a name for themselves in recent projects. Among the guests were Nikita Tarasov, Elena Podkaminskaya, Roman Evdokimov, Lyanka Gryu, Ivan Trushin, Alexandra Revenko, Anzhelika Kashirina, Timur Rodriguez, Katya Kabak, Daria Melnikova, Klim Shipenko, and others. The opening ceremony at the Maxim Gorky Drama Theater was conducted by actor Sergey Belyaev and star of the series "Papa's Daughters" (6+) Daria Melnikova.

      The main theme of the anniversary festival became the symbol of the time machine. It united the programs of the film screening and became a starting point for a conversation about the past, present, and future of Russian cinema. In honor of the decade, a video was shown to the audience featuring bright moments from all the festivals. Over the past nine years, more than 500 films have been presented within the framework of "Gorky fest," of which about 180 entered the competitive program, and over 300 were in the non-competitive section. The jury members were also introduced from the stage. The jury included director Alexander Veledinsky, cinematographer Ekaterina Smolina, producer Sabina Yeremeyeva, actress Anna Zavtur, composer Anton Silaev, and film journalist Ivan Kudryavtsev.

      "I want to thank the guests and my fellow countrymen. I am from Nizhny Novgorod, from Gorky, and I lived here for the first 34 years of my life. I think my colleagues will support me: we will try to judge the participants fairly. Of course, among the filmmakers are our friends, but we will be impartial and even ruthless," said Alexander Veledinsky.

      Afterward, the first award of the festival was presented - the prize "For Contribution to the Development of Modern Cinema." The laureate was director Klim Shipenko, who made the films "The Challenge" (12+), "Text" (18+), and all parts of "Kholop" (16+). Congratulations to him came in video messages from Kristina Asmus, Milos Bikovich, Alexander Petrov, Yulia Peresild, and other colleagues.

      The musical guest was the Russian multi-genre vocal a cappella ensemble performing in the ethno-avant-garde style, SPOKANKI.

      The opening film was Vladimir Kott's "To the Village of Grandfather 2," starring Yuri Stoyanov and Fyodor Dobronravov. It should be noted that in the following days, viewers can expect screenings of the competitive program, which includes 18 works, as well as non-competitive and educational events. The closing ceremony of the 10th festival of new Russian cinema "Gorky fest" will take place on July 9. The winners will also be announced then. The films will compete for awards in the categories of "Best Film," "Best Direction," "Best Screenplay," "Best Acting," "Best Visual Solution," and "Best Musical Solution." This year, the acting award will bear the name of the People's Artist of the RSFSR Yevgeny Yevstigneyev. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.