Submissions for the 35th Message to Man International Film Festival of documentaries, short live-action, animated, and experimental films are now open until July 15, 2025.
The 2025 edition of the Message to Man Film Festival will take place in St. Petersburg from October 17 to 25, 2025.
The organizers of one of Russia’s largest international film festivals have extended the submission deadline, giving filmmakers and creative teams from around the world more time to apply. Entries may be submitted via the official website or through the online platforms FilmFreeway and Festhome.
The new deadline for applications is July 15.
The Festival’s competition programme includes three categories: International, National, and In Silico Experimental Film Competition. Awards will be presented as follows:
- Golden Centaur Grand Prix with a cash prize of RUB 250,000 for Best Film: awarded by the International Competition jury;
- Three special Silver Centaur award with a cash prize of RUB 100,000 each: awarded by the International Competition jury;
- Special Silver Centaur award with a cash prize of RUB 100,000 for Best Documentary Film of the National Competition: awarded by the National Competition jury;
- Jury’s special Silver Centaur award with a cash prize of RUB 50,000 (with a jury statement): awarded by the National Competition jury;
- Silver Centaur award of the jury in the In Silico Experimental Film Competition with a cash prize of RUB 100,000 for Best Experimental Film.
Mikhail Ratgauz, Programme Director:
“Collecting competition entries is a process that is as joyful as it is nerve-wracking—like with any celebratory event. Will there be enough ‘ingredients’? What’s their quality? Can we surprise our guests? Are they going to feel welcome? Is it going to be fun? Or provide a chance for reflection? How loud is it going to be? What will the conversation be centered around? Several sections of this celebration are being prepared in the Festival’s giant workshop. And of course, we carefully choose the invitees—because it all starts with them. And that means you, dear filmmakers, and your teams. Much depends on you, and we’re extending the anticipation range for two more weeks. The clock is ticking louder; time is running out. Be prepared; be on time. We love you and are waiting for you.”
Vasily Stepanov, Chair of the International Competition Selection Committee:
“In the selection committee, we’ve already watched over a thousand films, and the submissions keep coming. The pace is accelerating. The final stage of the selection process is always a fever pitch, always intense—for both the curators and the applicants. Many filmmakers wait until the last moment. That’s human nature—there’s always something to improve in pursuit of perfection. We’re happy to give two more weeks to those running behind. I believe this year’s Festival will be something special—the strongest entries are still ahead.”
Alena Solntseva, National Competition Curator:
“Two more weeks to ask: is the film worthy of the Festival, and is the Festival worthy of the film? I believe the decision has already been made—our dear filmmakers just need time to perfect the sound. Still, I’d love to receive submissions as soon as possible. A compelling programme is coming together, and your film may well become one of its highlights.”
Mikhail Zheleznikov, In Silico Experimental Competition Curator:
“Friends, starting this year, submissions to the experimental competition are completely free—take advantage of the additional two weeks!”
Submission to the National and the In Silico Experimental Film competitions is free of charge. Submission fee applies to entries in the International Competition.
All potential participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the full Festival regulations.
The 35th Message to Man International Film Festival of documentaries, short live-action, animated, and experimental films will be held in St. Petersburg from October 17 to 25, and will not only feature a rich competition programme but also include special screenings, retrospectives, masterclasses, and creative meetings. Traditionally, the Festival will host an Industry Programme, bringing together leading film industry experts and highlighting aspects of creativity, production and distribution in modern filmmaking.
The main event will be followed by the Echoes of Message to Man — a series of screenings of the Festival’s best films in five Russian regions, running from November 15 to December 15.
Additional information for the media, comments and interviews: Elena Barkova, elena.barkova@gmail.com; Ekaterina Troshina, troshina.katena@mail.ru.
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