The VGIK International Student Festival is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation.

The VGIK International Student Festival has been held since 1961.

The festival became international in 1970.

The main aim of the festival is to recognise and encourage young talent. In different years, winners of the VGIK Festival have become iconic figures in world cinema: Andrei Konchalovsky, Andrei Tarkovsky, Vasily Shukshin, Nikita Mikhalkov, Vadim Abdrashitov, Peter Buslov, Boris Akopov, Alexander Hunt and others.

The 43rd VGIK International Student Festival is held in two stages: 16 – 27 October 2023 – first stage – VGIK competition. 13 – 17 November 2023 – second stage – international film and theatre competitions.

Alongside the film festival, the 19th Theatre Competition will take place. It will feature performances from leading Russian and foreign theatre universities.