< ARCTIC OPEN IFF SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED>
Of the 2,806 submissions from 106 countries, the 8th International Film Festival ARCTIC OPEN shortlisted 70. These were made in 18 countries and many of them have never screened in Russia before.
This year’s festival spans December 5-8. With screening venues in three towns and three rural localities of Arkhangelsk Oblast, it will bring to the audiences the latest releases from independent filmmakers from across the world, as well meet-the-artist sessions to be hosted by actors, directors and film crew members.
The shortlist 2024 consists of 12 feature films, 20 live action shorts, and 23 documentaries. Ten more films will compete for the Best Children’s Film Award.
One special highlight of this year’s festival is the selection of films produced in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan—a new wave in filmmaking and an object of critical acclaim. Other highlights include two feature films from Iran and new releases by well accomplished and beginner film directors based in Russia.
Whether a touching tragicomedy, a thriller or a parable, these films raise the issue of choice between life and death, hope and despair…
Enduring harsh climate, trials of spirit, and humility are the themes of the documentaries selected for this year’s program. Following the priests of different denominations and explorers of the past and present, they portray the colors of insular life and diversity of ethnic communities residing in the Arctic.
For the first time in its existence, the socio-cultural project ARCTIC OPEN features a special program of popular science films. The prize to be awarded to the best of the five films in this category is from M.V. Lomonosov Northern (Arctic) Federal University and is a paid travel onboard the Arctic Floating University.
The program of short films features genres as diverse and drama, comedy and fantasy and includes 7 films. Traditionally, the films for family viewing in Children’s Films category narrate about friendship, childhood dreams and first facing of life challenges.
“The main theme of this year’s program is in tune with the title of our project, KinoArchipelago, taking us on a journey beyond the visible horizons of this world and to the depths of human souls, where will meet hermits and dream chasers, experience the truths of creation to the sound of the sacred chants, visit the ‘art beacons’, witness the stormiest of dramas, and look up into the sky. We are grateful to everyone who submitted their films this year and congratulate filmmakers who made it to our shortlist,” said ARCTIC OPEN Programming Director Angelika Dolinina.
The four jury panels number 12 members and will select the best in four categories—feature films, shorts, documentaries, and children’s films.
To see full shortlist please visit: https://arctic-open.com/programs2024/polnometrazhnoe-igrovoe-kino-2024/
We will keep you updated on all our upcoming events.
