Northern Character

About

The XVIII Northern Character International Film Festival (hereinafter referred to as the Festival) will be held in Murmansk, Murmansk region (Russia) 2-8 November, 2026.

Festival Theme: “Strength of character”

In 2026, the Northern Character International Film Festival aims to focus on what matters the most: the human spirit, forged through adversity. The theme "Strength of Character" explores the multifaceted manifestations of fortitude, both on and off screen.

Program focus:

• Fortitude and willpower: stories of people who, faced with harsh circumstances - be it nature, society, or an internal crisis - did not break down, but found the strength to move on.
• Moral choice: Films in which the key plot element is not an external conflict, but an internal battle where the main character has to make a hard but right choice.
• Moral strength or physical strength: we are looking for films that prove that true strength is not muscles, but the steadfastness of principles, faith and kindness.
• Overcoming as a metaphor: let's consider "strength of character" not only in the extreme conditions of the North, but also in the everyday city life, in creativity, in scientific research, and in personal relationships.

"Strength of Character" is a tribute to those who change themselves and the world around them without expecting recognition. It's a central theme of human life, reimagined through the lens of cinema.

Awards

FESTIVAL CATEGORIES

1. Feature film

2. Documentary film – up to 90 minutes

3. Documentary film – up to 60 minutes

4. Animated film – up to 30 minutes

5. Short fiction film - up to 30 minutes

6. TV series – the first and the second episodes should be provided.

The results of the competition are presented by the international jury of the festival. Films recognized as winners are awarded Diplomas. The Jury may award additional diplomas for special achievements. 

The jury awards the main award of the festival – “The Grand Prix”. The results of the competition will be announced at the Award Ceremony for the winners of the Festival on November 7, 2026 in Murmansk.

Rules

• Programs of various genres, television and documentaries, full-length and short feature films created by state, municipal and private television companies, studios, and individuals, and aired in 2024-2026, are accepted for participation in the competition program of the festival.

  One filmmaker can submit no more than one film in one category.

  Applications and completed films (with English subtitles) for participation in the competition program are accepted strictly from June 1 to August 15, 2026. Films without English subtitles will not be accepted.

  Please be aware that the version stated in the application is considered final and cannot be replaced!

  Films received after August 15 are not allowed into the competition!

  The films are preliminarily reviewed by the Expert Council, that makes their decision on including in the competition program of the festival. The Expert Council does not review submitted video materials (programs, films), and does not consider films without English subtitles.
  
  Official languages of the festival: Russian and English

Premiere Requirements

No premiere requirement

Jury and Organizers

Festival Organizers:

• Northern Character Production Center, NGO
• Northern Character Production Center, LLC​

The festival is supported by:

• Government of the Murmansk region

Festival partners:

• Art Media Service LLC
• Cinematographers Union of the Russian Federation
• Film Production Development Center of the Murmansk Region
• Murmansk branch of Union of Journalists of Russia
• Murmansk Regional Museum of Local Lore
• Murmansk Regional Art Museum
• Naval Museum of the Northern Fleet
• Murmansk Arctic University
• Murmansk State Regional Universal Scientific Library
• Murmansk Central City Library
• Murmansk Regional Children's and Youth Library of V. P. Makhaeva
• Center for Contemporary Art 21 "A" Sopki
• Meridian Congress Hotel
• Cosmos Murmansk Hotel