Message to Man

About

Festival “Message to Man” was founded to emphasize the important role of non-feature films in cultural life of the country and allow national documentary filmmakers become more familiar with the world of international cinema. However, with years, the goals of the Festival had broadened and as a result, short fiction and animated films were added to the competition program. Every year the Festival presents over 50 Russian premieres and more than 300 films from around the world are screened in competition and special programs. On average the Festival receives over 3000 films for selection each year. These films become accessible to every participant and guest of the Festival through the Festival’s video-library. The name of the Festival «Message to Man» also became its mission. It refers to the Bible and reflects the essence of the Festival’s purpose: Faith, Hope, Love, Grace, Compassion – eternal human values that we always need in life as well as in films. The Festival is supported by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg City Government and Committee for Culture of St. Petersburg.

International Competition:

• Full-length documentary films 
• Short documentary films 
• Short and animated films 

National Competition of Documentary Films

In Silico International Competition of Experimental Films

Special Programmes

Awards

International Competition:

• Grand Prix “Golden Centaur” and 3000 USD for best film of the Festival;
• Prize “Centaur” and 1000 USD for best feature length documentary;
• Prize “Centaur” and 1000 USD for best short documentary;
• Prize “Centaur” and 1000 USD for best short fiction;
• Prize “Centaur” and 1000 USD for best animation;
• Prize “Centaur” and 1000 USD for best debut.

International Experimental Films Competition In Silico:

• Prize “Centaur” and 1000 USD for best experimental film.

Festival Organizational Committee special prizes and Public Organizations prizes will also be awarded.

Rules

• All films should have been completed after 1 January 2023.
• English subtitles are required for all films with dialogue, unless English is the language of the film.
• Submit online via festival website or online platphorms.

International Competition includes: 

• Full-length documentary films (from 40 to 120 minutes) 
• Short documentary films (up to 40 minutes) 
• Short and animated films (up to 30 minutes) 

In Silico International Competition of Experimental Films includes short experimental films (no longer than 15 minutes) in any genre, which are technically suitable for screening in a regular cinema.

National Competition of Documentary Films includes documentary films up to 120 minutes by Russian directors, or co-produced by Russian producers.

Premiere Requirements

No premiere requirement

Jury and Organizers

Alexey Medvedev — PROGRAM DIRECTOR