Mayak

About

The festival of contemporary Russian cinema "Mayak" is designed to draw attention to talented auteur films. The goal of the festival is to outline guidelines for filmmakers and prospects for the development of the industry, presenting the best films and new names to the judgment of professionals. Russian cinema has always responded to the challenges of the era, resolved moral dilemmas and formed the image of the future, relying on the cultural heritage of the country. Today, it is especially important to help its authors be heard in the noise of time.

Gelendzhik was chosen as the venue for the festival as a new point of attraction for Russian filmmakers: filming is carried out here with the assistance of the film commission of the Krasnodar Territory, and the Black Sea film studio operates. In addition, Gelendzhik is laying claim to the role of a new resort and cultural center of the Russian Black Sea coast.

The symbol of the festival is the lighthouse, the main attraction of the city of Gelendzhik. At a time when it is so important for art to find its bearings, the image of the lighthouse takes on a special symbolic meaning.

The organizer of the film festival "Mayak" is the Foundation for the Development of Contemporary Cinema "Kinoprime". Since 2019, the foundation has supported the production of more than seventy Russian films, many of which participated in programs and received prizes at international film festivals in Cannes, Venice, Locarno, Berlin and Rotterdam. The producer of the Mayak Film Festival is the foundation’s executive director Anton Malyshev.

Awards

• Grand Prix of the Film Festival — Best Film
• Best Director
• Best Screenplay
• Best Cinematography
• Best Actress
• Best Actor
• Best Debut

The winners are awarded with award statuettes and diplomas.

Rules

• Only Russian feature films and short films made in co-production with Russian companies, completed in production after January 1, 2023, will be accepted for consideration. For films produced in 2024, rough cuts may be submitted for selection.
• A film is not allowed to participate in the selection if it has previously been publicly shown in the territory of the Russian Federation in a cinema, at a cultural venue, on television or on the Internet.
• A distribution certificate for a film intended for screening at the Film Festival must be provided to the Organizer of the Film Festival. 

Premiere Requirements

National premiere required.

Jury and Organizers

The organizer of the Festival of Contemporary Russian Cinema "Mayak" is the Foundation for the Development of Contemporary Cinema "Kinoprime".

The jury is formed from specialists in the field of cinema, excluding persons involved in the organization of the Film Festival.