XIX International Film Festival Zerkalo. Tarkovsky's Philosophy has announced its dates: the Festival will take place from June 26 to July 1. Applications to participate in the competition program are now open at the official website. Applications are accepted through May 15.
The Festival will feature international premieres, Russian feature film and short film programs, a documentary section, retrospective screenings, and special programs. The opening ceremony will traditionally take place in Andrei Tarkovsky's native town of Yuryevets celebrating its 800th anniversary this year. The main competition program includes international film projects featured at and recognized with prizes from film festivals around the world, and premieres of Russian films. Spectators from Ivanovo and Festival guests will be the first to watch them during the Festival. The traditional Near and Dear (Svoi) section and Svoi. Short Films program include most prominent Russian films having won top prizes at Russian film festivals. Winners in both programs will be selected by spectators at the screenings by voting. Members of the international jury will select the best film in the main competition program. Last year, the main prize went to Black Dog by the Chinese director Hu Guan, the winner of Un Certain Regard competition at the Cannes Festival 2024. Overall, the Festival brought together films produced by 13 countries: Bulgaria, Germany, China, Russia, Serbia, Sudan, Türkiye, France, Switzerland, Japan, etc. Petr Todorovsky's film Intensive Care became the top choice of spectators in Near and Dear (Svoi) program and Ivan Sosnin's 30 Seconds won the short film section.
Zerkalo is a festival for spectators. Access to screenings is free for spectators and available after online registration, which will open one week before the Festival.
Besides the competition program, spectators will enjoy special events and an extensive out-of-competition section. Lodz Cinema in Ivanovo remains the main venue of the Festival. Screenings will also take place in smaller towns of Ivanovo region: Shuya, Kokhma, Kineshma, etc.
The international film, music and architecture festival Zerkalo. Tarkovsky's Philosophy will be hosted with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Government of Ivanovo Region.