Anniversary 10th Arctic International Film Festival "Golden Raven" opens in Anadyr
March 31, 2026
The anniversary 10th Arctic International Film Festival "Golden Raven" opened on March 30 at the Polyarny Cinema in Anadyr, the capital of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. To mark its first major anniversary, the festival organizers prepared a stylish and concise opening ceremony. The festival's first screening was the competition entry "The Answer to Forever" by Chinese director Zheng Yunchang.
The opening ceremony of the 10th "Golden Raven" traditionally began with a performance by the Ergyron State Academic Chukotka-Eskimo Ensemble, which this time presented a light show titled "The Chukotka Legend of the Golden Raven." Based on a concept by Oksana Lakhno and featuring verses by Philipp Abryutin, the piece was choreographed by Egor Tynarali and Yulia Timonina, telling the audience the legend behind the festival's symbol.
"Tonight is a special evening for us because we are opening more than just another festival. We are opening the anniversary 10th 'Golden Raven.' Ten years is a journey that involved a great deal of work, meetings, discoveries, and immense love. This festival once began as a dream that a major international cultural event could be created in Chukotka. And today, looking at this hall, we realize: our dream has become a reality," noted Philipp Abryutin, the festival’s artistic director and director.
Together with the festival’s lead producer, Oksana Lakhno, he hosted this special opening ceremony, a significant part of which was dedicated to the people who have been creating "Golden Raven" throughout all these years.
"For us, 'Golden Raven' is much more than a professional film review. It is a part of our lives. It is a story of love—for Chukotka, the Far East, our vast country, its people, its beauty, its sincerity, and for cinema. Over these years, the festival has become a space for meeting—a place where the audience of Chukotka meets great cinema, and great cinema meets Chukotka. The tenth festival is a very personal story. And we wanted the festival to speak to you today not with a stranger’s voice, but with its own," emphasized Oksana Lakhno.
Olga Borisovna Lyubimova, the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, addressed the festival with a welcoming speech.
"In the spring, Anadyr once again becomes the cinematic capital of not only the Arctic but the entire Far East. In ten years, the festival born in Chukotka has traveled a significant path and become a vibrant part of our country’s cultural life. This unique review contributes to the preservation of the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples and serves as a vital platform for international creative dialogue. Year after year, the project enjoys immense interest from authors all over the world. I congratulate the festival team on its first major anniversary! I wish everyone inspiration, successful work, and new discoveries," noted Olga Lyubimova.
In addition to the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the festival has received active support for many years from the Government of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug and personally from Governor Vladislav Garievich Kuznetsov. A welcoming speech on his behalf was read from the stage of the Polyarny Cinema by Pavel Aleksandrovich Kargapolov, First Deputy Governor of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug.
"I thank the festival organizers for the fact that for the tenth time, Anadyr is becoming the center of Arctic cinematography. 'Golden Raven' has long been a hallmark of Chukotka. Over three thousand applications from more than 100 countries were received for the festival. This confirms that 'Golden Raven' is connected to Chukotka not only by its location but by its spirit and content. The festival has become a bridge connecting the Arctic with the global cultural space. Chukotka has always been famous for its hospitality. We are glad that thanks to the festival, directors, actors, producers, journalists, and representatives of the creative community come here to discover the unique beauty and culture of the North. But 'Golden Raven' is not only a cultural event; it is also an important social mission. The festival supports the local creative community, young authors, educational laboratories, and cultural initiatives, helping to develop the region's potential. I would like to emphasize that the festival is created for the audience. The lively response of the Chukotka audience, their sincere interest and inspiration, are a vital part of the atmosphere and traditions of 'Golden Raven'," stated the address by Vladislav Kuznetsov.
The guest of the opening ceremony this year was Vladimir Valeryevich Ivanov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Nationalities, who visited Chukotka for the first time.
"The films of 'Golden Raven' resonate with themes that are particularly close to our committee: the lives of indigenous small-numbered peoples, the continuity of generations, the preservation of languages and traditions, a responsible attitude toward nature, and the ability to live in harmony in a multinational society. The key theme of 2026—the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia—runs like a red thread through all the screenings. It is no coincidence that the festival's symbol is the raven, a guardian of Chukotka central to the epic, connecting the past, present, and future. I wish the festival interesting premieres, honest emotions, and spirited discussions. And, of course, the happiness of creative flight under the wing of your 'Golden Raven.' May this celebration of cinema and culture leave a light in the hearts of the guests and residents of Chukotka and become an important page in the shared history of the Russian Arctic. I thank you for strengthening our national unity, and for creating a multipolar world here on the shores of Chukotka," said Vladimir Ivanov.
The presentation of the competition program began with the short film section, curated by Vasilina Sviridova. It was with the "FilmRising!" competition, representing the work of directors from various regions of the country, that "Golden Raven" once began.
"It is a great honor for me to present today the part of the festival where the forward movement—the birth of new cinema, new names, and new intonations—is felt most strongly. 'Golden Raven' has always been not only a meeting place for recognized authors but also a territory of support for those just starting their journey. This is why the interregional competition "FilmRising!" holds a special place in the festival program—it is a space for the first serious screen statements, first victories, and the first real encounter with the audience," noted Sviridova.
Five documentary and fiction films created in the Sakhalin Region, the Kola Peninsula, Chukotka, Khanty-Mansiysk, the Khabarovsk Territory, and the Sverdlovsk Region will be shown in this competition program. The jury for this competition included Irina Belova, General Director of Krasnoyarsk Regional State Budgetary Institution of Culture "Yenisey Cinema"; Elena Kutsenko, film critic and representative of the Crimean Film Commission; and Egor Tynarali, choreographer of the "Ergyron" Ensemble, actor, and director.
The international short film competition included 11 fiction and 9 documentary films from Russia, China, Mexico, India, and other countries. They will be judged by Vladimir Karachevsky, General Director of the Minsk "Kinovideoprokat" network (Jury Chairman); Liang Jiashan, a producer from China; Mikhail Moroz, a documentary filmmaker; and Alexander Sukachev, a director, actor, and screenwriter.
For many years, the "Golden Raven" festival has also showcased animated short films from around the world. They are selected by film critic and animation producer Alyona Sycheva. This year, the international short animation competition included 22 films from Russia, India, Iran, Brazil, Mexico, China, and other countries.
"These works are very different in style, tone, and artistic language, but they are all united by a vivid imagination, courage, and a desire to speak to the audience in the language of striking images and strong emotions. The international competition of animated films at the festival is judged by audience vote. It is the 'Golden Raven' audience who will determine the best animated film of the festival. And a special moment for our entire festival: for the first time in the history of 'Golden Raven,' we are presenting an international competition for feature-length animation, where the winner will also be chosen by the audience," Sycheva shared.
The international feature-length animation competition included the film "Trown Away" by Oscar nominee Konstantin Bronzit, the Brazilian film "Nimuendaju," the Russian cartoon "Heroes of the Arctic," Ivan Baturin’s animated story "Shadows Behind the Frames," and the hit from Malaysia, "The Tale of Sang Kancil."
The main competition of fiction and documentary cinema was presented by the festival’s program director, Alexander Solomonov:
"A feature film always requires a special breath, a special inner measure, and the ability to sustain a large statement. It was very important for us that in this anniversary year, this program turned out to be strong, expansive, internally diverse, and truly international."
Seven films are included in the competition program for feature-length fiction and documentary films. These include "Scurvy", the first fiction film by documentarian Vladimir Golovnev, filmed in Yamal; the Yakut film "Give Me Flowers" by debutant Vasily Sleptsov; Andrey Timoshchenko’s study "The Last Mammoth" about the life and culture of the vanishing Dolgan people of the Taymyr Peninsula; the portrait film "Vitaly Melnikov. Director's Fate," filmed by renowned documentarian Natalia Gugueva about the director of the legendary film "Chief of Chukotka"; the Turkish documentary work "My Grandpa's House" by Gülten Taranç; the documentary film from Venezuela "Kueka, Ancestral Memory" by Maria de los Angeles Peña Fonseca; and the Chinese film "The Answer to Forever" by director Zheng Yunchang.
Fragments of the films participating in the main competition were presented in a special trailer: audiences were introduced to each film set to modern ethnic musical motifs.
At the end of the opening ceremony, Irina Apletina, Director of the Polyarny Cinema, thanked the festival partners.
"There are festivals that are remembered for loud premieres. There are festivals remembered for names. And there are festivals that become part of the city's life. For us, 'Golden Raven' is exactly like that. Every year it changes the space around it. And that is why we especially want to say words of gratitude to everyone without whom this festival could not have taken place," emphasized Irina Apletina.
Following the recognition of partners, artistic director Philipp Abryutin and lead producer Oksana Lakhno declared the anniversary festival open with a ceremonial film clapperboard.
Another innovation of the ceremony was the screening of not just any opening film, but the first participant in the feature-length fiction and documentary competition program. The Chinese family film "The Answer to Forever" was presented by director Zheng Yunchang, who noted that he dedicated this film to his grandmother and to emotions he had been unable to express for a long time.
"If these emotions, which I can share with you through this film, touch you, it will be absolute happiness for me," the director noted.
The Arctic International Film Festival "Golden Raven" is organized by the "Golden Raven" Center for the Development and Support of Cultural Projects and the "Youth Initiatives" Production Center, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the Governor of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug Vladislav Garievich Kuznetsov, the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives, the Government of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, AU CHAO "Okrkinovideoprokat" (Polyarny Cinema), and the Union of Cinematographers of Russia.
The anniversary 10th Arctic International Film Festival "Golden Raven" opened on March 30 at the Polyarny Cinema in Anadyr, the capital of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. To mark its first major anniversary, the festival organizers prepared a stylish and concise opening ceremony. The festival's first screening was the competition entry "The Answer to Forever" by Chinese director Zheng Yunchang.
The opening ceremony of the 10th "Golden Raven" traditionally began with a performance by the Ergyron State Academic Chukotka-Eskimo Ensemble, which this time presented a light show titled "The Chukotka Legend of the Golden Raven." Based on a concept by Oksana Lakhno and featuring verses by Philipp Abryutin, the piece was choreographed by Egor Tynarali and Yulia Timonina, telling the audience the legend behind the festival's symbol.
"Tonight is a special evening for us because we are opening more than just another festival. We are opening the anniversary 10th 'Golden Raven.' Ten years is a journey that involved a great deal of work, meetings, discoveries, and immense love. This festival once began as a dream that a major international cultural event could be created in Chukotka. And today, looking at this hall, we realize: our dream has become a reality," noted Philipp Abryutin, the festival’s artistic director and director.
Together with the festival’s lead producer, Oksana Lakhno, he hosted this special opening ceremony, a significant part of which was dedicated to the people who have been creating "Golden Raven" throughout all these years.
"For us, 'Golden Raven' is much more than a professional film review. It is a part of our lives. It is a story of love—for Chukotka, the Far East, our vast country, its people, its beauty, its sincerity, and for cinema. Over these years, the festival has become a space for meeting—a place where the audience of Chukotka meets great cinema, and great cinema meets Chukotka. The tenth festival is a very personal story. And we wanted the festival to speak to you today not with a stranger’s voice, but with its own," emphasized Oksana Lakhno.
Olga Borisovna Lyubimova, the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, addressed the festival with a welcoming speech.
"In the spring, Anadyr once again becomes the cinematic capital of not only the Arctic but the entire Far East. In ten years, the festival born in Chukotka has traveled a significant path and become a vibrant part of our country’s cultural life. This unique review contributes to the preservation of the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples and serves as a vital platform for international creative dialogue. Year after year, the project enjoys immense interest from authors all over the world. I congratulate the festival team on its first major anniversary! I wish everyone inspiration, successful work, and new discoveries," noted Olga Lyubimova.
In addition to the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the festival has received active support for many years from the Government of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug and personally from Governor Vladislav Garievich Kuznetsov. A welcoming speech on his behalf was read from the stage of the Polyarny Cinema by Pavel Aleksandrovich Kargapolov, First Deputy Governor of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug.
"I thank the festival organizers for the fact that for the tenth time, Anadyr is becoming the center of Arctic cinematography. 'Golden Raven' has long been a hallmark of Chukotka. Over three thousand applications from more than 100 countries were received for the festival. This confirms that 'Golden Raven' is connected to Chukotka not only by its location but by its spirit and content. The festival has become a bridge connecting the Arctic with the global cultural space. Chukotka has always been famous for its hospitality. We are glad that thanks to the festival, directors, actors, producers, journalists, and representatives of the creative community come here to discover the unique beauty and culture of the North. But 'Golden Raven' is not only a cultural event; it is also an important social mission. The festival supports the local creative community, young authors, educational laboratories, and cultural initiatives, helping to develop the region's potential. I would like to emphasize that the festival is created for the audience. The lively response of the Chukotka audience, their sincere interest and inspiration, are a vital part of the atmosphere and traditions of 'Golden Raven'," stated the address by Vladislav Kuznetsov.
The guest of the opening ceremony this year was Vladimir Valeryevich Ivanov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Nationalities, who visited Chukotka for the first time.
"The films of 'Golden Raven' resonate with themes that are particularly close to our committee: the lives of indigenous small-numbered peoples, the continuity of generations, the preservation of languages and traditions, a responsible attitude toward nature, and the ability to live in harmony in a multinational society. The key theme of 2026—the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia—runs like a red thread through all the screenings. It is no coincidence that the festival's symbol is the raven, a guardian of Chukotka central to the epic, connecting the past, present, and future. I wish the festival interesting premieres, honest emotions, and spirited discussions. And, of course, the happiness of creative flight under the wing of your 'Golden Raven.' May this celebration of cinema and culture leave a light in the hearts of the guests and residents of Chukotka and become an important page in the shared history of the Russian Arctic. I thank you for strengthening our national unity, and for creating a multipolar world here on the shores of Chukotka," said Vladimir Ivanov.
The presentation of the competition program began with the short film section, curated by Vasilina Sviridova. It was with the "FilmRising!" competition, representing the work of directors from various regions of the country, that "Golden Raven" once began.
"It is a great honor for me to present today the part of the festival where the forward movement—the birth of new cinema, new names, and new intonations—is felt most strongly. 'Golden Raven' has always been not only a meeting place for recognized authors but also a territory of support for those just starting their journey. This is why the interregional competition "FilmRising!" holds a special place in the festival program—it is a space for the first serious screen statements, first victories, and the first real encounter with the audience," noted Sviridova.
Five documentary and fiction films created in the Sakhalin Region, the Kola Peninsula, Chukotka, Khanty-Mansiysk, the Khabarovsk Territory, and the Sverdlovsk Region will be shown in this competition program. The jury for this competition included Irina Belova, General Director of Krasnoyarsk Regional State Budgetary Institution of Culture "Yenisey Cinema"; Elena Kutsenko, film critic and representative of the Crimean Film Commission; and Egor Tynarali, choreographer of the "Ergyron" Ensemble, actor, and director.
The international short film competition included 11 fiction and 9 documentary films from Russia, China, Mexico, India, and other countries. They will be judged by Vladimir Karachevsky, General Director of the Minsk "Kinovideoprokat" network (Jury Chairman); Liang Jiashan, a producer from China; Mikhail Moroz, a documentary filmmaker; and Alexander Sukachev, a director, actor, and screenwriter.
For many years, the "Golden Raven" festival has also showcased animated short films from around the world. They are selected by film critic and animation producer Alyona Sycheva. This year, the international short animation competition included 22 films from Russia, India, Iran, Brazil, Mexico, China, and other countries.
"These works are very different in style, tone, and artistic language, but they are all united by a vivid imagination, courage, and a desire to speak to the audience in the language of striking images and strong emotions. The international competition of animated films at the festival is judged by audience vote. It is the 'Golden Raven' audience who will determine the best animated film of the festival. And a special moment for our entire festival: for the first time in the history of 'Golden Raven,' we are presenting an international competition for feature-length animation, where the winner will also be chosen by the audience," Sycheva shared.
The international feature-length animation competition included the film "Trown Away" by Oscar nominee Konstantin Bronzit, the Brazilian film "Nimuendaju," the Russian cartoon "Heroes of the Arctic," Ivan Baturin’s animated story "Shadows Behind the Frames," and the hit from Malaysia, "The Tale of Sang Kancil."
The main competition of fiction and documentary cinema was presented by the festival’s program director, Alexander Solomonov:
"A feature film always requires a special breath, a special inner measure, and the ability to sustain a large statement. It was very important for us that in this anniversary year, this program turned out to be strong, expansive, internally diverse, and truly international."
Seven films are included in the competition program for feature-length fiction and documentary films. These include "Scurvy", the first fiction film by documentarian Vladimir Golovnev, filmed in Yamal; the Yakut film "Give Me Flowers" by debutant Vasily Sleptsov; Andrey Timoshchenko’s study "The Last Mammoth" about the life and culture of the vanishing Dolgan people of the Taymyr Peninsula; the portrait film "Vitaly Melnikov. Director's Fate," filmed by renowned documentarian Natalia Gugueva about the director of the legendary film "Chief of Chukotka"; the Turkish documentary work "My Grandpa's House" by Gülten Taranç; the documentary film from Venezuela "Kueka, Ancestral Memory" by Maria de los Angeles Peña Fonseca; and the Chinese film "The Answer to Forever" by director Zheng Yunchang.
Fragments of the films participating in the main competition were presented in a special trailer: audiences were introduced to each film set to modern ethnic musical motifs.
At the end of the opening ceremony, Irina Apletina, Director of the Polyarny Cinema, thanked the festival partners.
"There are festivals that are remembered for loud premieres. There are festivals remembered for names. And there are festivals that become part of the city's life. For us, 'Golden Raven' is exactly like that. Every year it changes the space around it. And that is why we especially want to say words of gratitude to everyone without whom this festival could not have taken place," emphasized Irina Apletina.
Following the recognition of partners, artistic director Philipp Abryutin and lead producer Oksana Lakhno declared the anniversary festival open with a ceremonial film clapperboard.
Another innovation of the ceremony was the screening of not just any opening film, but the first participant in the feature-length fiction and documentary competition program. The Chinese family film "The Answer to Forever" was presented by director Zheng Yunchang, who noted that he dedicated this film to his grandmother and to emotions he had been unable to express for a long time.
"If these emotions, which I can share with you through this film, touch you, it will be absolute happiness for me," the director noted.
The Arctic International Film Festival "Golden Raven" is organized by the "Golden Raven" Center for the Development and Support of Cultural Projects and the "Youth Initiatives" Production Center, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the Governor of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug Vladislav Garievich Kuznetsov, the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives, the Government of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, AU CHAO "Okrkinovideoprokat" (Polyarny Cinema), and the Union of Cinematographers of Russia.
Премьерный ролик представления полнометражной программы фильмов: