RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
The VGIK International Student Festival (hereinafter referred to as the Festival) is held
annually in October and November. The main events of the Festival take place at VGIK and in
cinemas in Moscow, as well as in more than 35 cities across Russia. The Festival consists of three competitive programmes:
● The first stage of the VGIK International Student Festival
● The second stage of the VGIK International Student Festival
● International theatre competition
The Festival also includes technical presentations, retrospective
screenings, creative meetings, master classes, special screenings of new Russian
films and film festival winners, exhibitions, press conferences, round
tables and a screenwriting competition.
The events and screenings within the framework of the Festival are held in Russian and English.
1.1. ORGANISERS
The founder of the Festival is the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Russian State University of Cinematography n.a. “S. Gerasimov”" (hereinafter referred to as VGIK).
The Festival is held with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the Union of Cinematographers of Russia, the Government of Moscow and the Ministries of Culture of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
1.2. ORGANISING COMMITTEE
The Festival Organising Committee is appointed by order of the Rector of VGIK or the person acting on his behalf.
The chair of the Festival Organising Committee is the rector of VGIK.
The deputy chairs of the Festival Organising Committee are representatives of the VGIK rector's office.
The members of the Festival Organising Committee are the deans of the faculties, heads of departments and heads of divisions of VGIK.
The Student Organising Committee of the Festival is formed by the Organising Committee in consultation with the deans of the VGIK faculties.
1.3. FESTIVAL OBJECTIVES
The VGIK International Student Festival (hereinafter referred to as the Festival) is held
annually in October and November. The main events of the Festival take place at VGIK and in
cinemas in Moscow, as well as in more than 35 cities across Russia. The Festival consists of three competitive programmes:
● The first stage of the VGIK International Student Festival
● The second stage of the VGIK International Student Festival
● International theatre competition
The Festival also includes technical presentations, retrospective
screenings, creative meetings, master classes, special screenings of new Russian
films and film festival winners, exhibitions, press conferences, round
tables and a screenwriting competition.
The events and screenings within the framework of the Festival are held in Russian and English.
1.1. ORGANISERS
The founder of the Festival is the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Russian State University of Cinematography n.a. “S. Gerasimov”" (hereinafter referred to as VGIK).
The Festival is held with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the Union of Cinematographers of Russia, the Government of Moscow and the Ministries of Culture of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
1.2. ORGANISING COMMITTEE
The Festival Organising Committee is appointed by order of the Rector of VGIK or the person acting on his behalf.
The chair of the Festival Organising Committee is the rector of VGIK.
The deputy chairs of the Festival Organising Committee are representatives of the VGIK rector's office.
The members of the Festival Organising Committee are the deans of the faculties, heads of departments and heads of divisions of VGIK.
The Student Organising Committee of the Festival is formed by the Organising Committee in consultation with the deans of the VGIK faculties.
1.3. FESTIVAL OBJECTIVES
- To showcase and evaluate the creative achievements of VGIK students and students from Russian and foreign film, television and theatre schools;
- To show and freely discuss the results of the creative workshops for the period from 30 June 2024 to 30 June 2025;
- To strengthen international ties, expand creative and professional contacts, and exchange experience and ideas between creative workshops, film schools, and students from Russia and other countries;
- Drawing public attention to the work of the younger generation — future film and television professionals. Introducing the work of VGIK students to audiences in the regions of Russia;
- Supporting young cinema and establishing its high socio-cultural status. Identifying and supporting the most talented and promising students, directors and teachers;
- Expanding the domestic audience;
- Expanding opportunities for business cooperation between VGIK and foreign film and theatre institutions of higher education.
- Disseminating and strengthening the cultural code of VGIK and the best practices of domestic cinematography.
1.4. JURY
Student works participating in the Festival competitions are evaluated by professional and student juries formed by the Festival Organising Committee.
For each stage of the Festival, a professional jury consisting of leading figures in culture and the arts is formed.
The Festival Organising Committee covers the accommodation expenses of each member of the jury, their travel to and from the festival (including transfers in Moscow), as well as the costs of visa invitations and consular fees.
The student jury is formed by the Organising Committee from among students of VGIK and students of other creative universities in Russia for the entire duration of the Festival.
The number of jury members is determined by the Organising Committee.
1.5. PRIZES
1.5.1. First stage prizes
Based on the results of the first stage of the competition, the professional jury will award prizes in the following categories:
● Grand Prix
● Best Director in a Feature Film
● Best Director in a Non-Feature Film
● For the best work of a television director
● For the best work of an animation director
● For the best work of a multimedia director
● For the best performance by a female actor
● For the best performance by a male actor
● For the best screenplay
● For the best work of a cinematographer in a feature film
● For the best work of a cinematographer in a non-feature film
● For best sound director
● For best production designer
● For best costume designer
● For best producer and film process organiser
Based on the results of the first stage, the student jury awards:
● The student jury prize for the best film of the first stage of the VGIK International Student Festival
Special prizes of the Festival are awarded by state and public organisations, departments of VGIK:
● Diploma of the Roman Karmen Non-Fiction Film Support Fund
● Prize of the V.I. Yusov Guild of Cinematographers
● Special prize named after V.Y. Bakhmutsky ‘In Search of the Lost...’
● Special Prize named after Yu.A. Mikhailov
● Special Prize named after S.V. Lazaruk ‘For the search (and discovery) of means of artistic expression in cinematic language’
● Prize of the Department of Feature Film Directing ‘For editing solutions named after L.B. Felonov’
● Special prize of the B.N. Konoplev Faculty of Producing
● Special prize of the Y.N. Arabov Department of Film Dramaturgy
● Grand Prix of the screenplay competition
Based on the results of the audience survey, the following prizes will be awarded:
● ‘Audience Award’ for the best film created by VGIK students.
1.5.2. Prizes for the second stage of the Festival
Based on the results of the second stage, the professional international jury awards:
● Grand Prix
● Prize for the best film programme
● Prize for the best feature film
● Prize for the best documentary film
● Prize for the best animated film
● Prize for the best multimedia project
Based on the results of the second stage of the Festival, the student jury awards:
● Student Jury Prize for the best film of the second stage of the VGIK International Student Festival
Based on the results of a survey of viewers in the regions, the following prize is awarded:
● Audience Award for the best film of the VGIK International Student Festival
As part of the second stage of the Festival, a special award, ‘Recognition of Generations,’ is presented to distinguished filmmakers.
1.5.3. Awards of the International Theatre Competition
Based on the results of the International Theatre Competition, the professional jury awards:
● Grand Prix of the theatre competition
● Prize for Best Actress
● Prize for Best Actor
● Special Jury Prize
● The S.A. Gerasimov and T.F. Makarova Prize for Best Actress (Actor) — awarded to students of the VGIK Acting Department
● Special Prize of the Russian Film Actors' Guild ‘Creative Perspective’ — awarded to students of the acting faculty of VGIK
Based on the results of a survey of audience members — guests and participants of the Festival — the following prizes are awarded:
● Prize for the best acting ensemble
1.6. CONTACT INFORMATION
The official website of the Festival is www.vgikfestival.com.
The founder of the Festival is the S.A. Gerasimov All-Russian State University of Cinematography, located at 3 Wilhelm Pieck Street, Moscow, 129226, Russia.
Student works participating in the Festival competitions are evaluated by professional and student juries formed by the Festival Organising Committee.
For each stage of the Festival, a professional jury consisting of leading figures in culture and the arts is formed.
The Festival Organising Committee covers the accommodation expenses of each member of the jury, their travel to and from the festival (including transfers in Moscow), as well as the costs of visa invitations and consular fees.
The student jury is formed by the Organising Committee from among students of VGIK and students of other creative universities in Russia for the entire duration of the Festival.
The number of jury members is determined by the Organising Committee.
1.5. PRIZES
1.5.1. First stage prizes
Based on the results of the first stage of the competition, the professional jury will award prizes in the following categories:
● Grand Prix
● Best Director in a Feature Film
● Best Director in a Non-Feature Film
● For the best work of a television director
● For the best work of an animation director
● For the best work of a multimedia director
● For the best performance by a female actor
● For the best performance by a male actor
● For the best screenplay
● For the best work of a cinematographer in a feature film
● For the best work of a cinematographer in a non-feature film
● For best sound director
● For best production designer
● For best costume designer
● For best producer and film process organiser
Based on the results of the first stage, the student jury awards:
● The student jury prize for the best film of the first stage of the VGIK International Student Festival
Special prizes of the Festival are awarded by state and public organisations, departments of VGIK:
● Diploma of the Roman Karmen Non-Fiction Film Support Fund
● Prize of the V.I. Yusov Guild of Cinematographers
● Special prize named after V.Y. Bakhmutsky ‘In Search of the Lost...’
● Special Prize named after Yu.A. Mikhailov
● Special Prize named after S.V. Lazaruk ‘For the search (and discovery) of means of artistic expression in cinematic language’
● Prize of the Department of Feature Film Directing ‘For editing solutions named after L.B. Felonov’
● Special prize of the B.N. Konoplev Faculty of Producing
● Special prize of the Y.N. Arabov Department of Film Dramaturgy
● Grand Prix of the screenplay competition
Based on the results of the audience survey, the following prizes will be awarded:
● ‘Audience Award’ for the best film created by VGIK students.
1.5.2. Prizes for the second stage of the Festival
Based on the results of the second stage, the professional international jury awards:
● Grand Prix
● Prize for the best film programme
● Prize for the best feature film
● Prize for the best documentary film
● Prize for the best animated film
● Prize for the best multimedia project
Based on the results of the second stage of the Festival, the student jury awards:
● Student Jury Prize for the best film of the second stage of the VGIK International Student Festival
Based on the results of a survey of viewers in the regions, the following prize is awarded:
● Audience Award for the best film of the VGIK International Student Festival
As part of the second stage of the Festival, a special award, ‘Recognition of Generations,’ is presented to distinguished filmmakers.
1.5.3. Awards of the International Theatre Competition
Based on the results of the International Theatre Competition, the professional jury awards:
● Grand Prix of the theatre competition
● Prize for Best Actress
● Prize for Best Actor
● Special Jury Prize
● The S.A. Gerasimov and T.F. Makarova Prize for Best Actress (Actor) — awarded to students of the VGIK Acting Department
● Special Prize of the Russian Film Actors' Guild ‘Creative Perspective’ — awarded to students of the acting faculty of VGIK
Based on the results of a survey of audience members — guests and participants of the Festival — the following prizes are awarded:
● Prize for the best acting ensemble
1.6. CONTACT INFORMATION
The official website of the Festival is www.vgikfestival.com.
The founder of the Festival is the S.A. Gerasimov All-Russian State University of Cinematography, located at 3 Wilhelm Pieck Street, Moscow, 129226, Russia.
2. FIRST STAGE OF THE VGIK INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FESTIVAL
2.1. PROGRAMME
● Competition for screenwriting skills among VGIK students;
● Competition for film studies works;
● Exhibitions of paintings, graphic works and photographs;
● Non-competitive screenings;
● Special events.
2.2. DATES OF THE EVENT
The first stage of the Festival will take place from 20 to 24 October 2025.
2.3. TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR SELECTION OF THE COMPETITION PROGRAMME
The competition programme for the first stage of the Festival is formed by a selection committee from student works created between 30 June 2024 and 30 June 2025.
Each workshop provides a list of films, according to the quota, for the selection committee. Applications are collected by the Festival Organising Committee and a link to the cloud storage is provided to the VGIK employee responsible for the selection committee's activities.
The selection committee is formed from the professional teaching staff of VGIK at the suggestion of the faculties and employees of the Scientific Research Institute of Cinematic Arts based on proposals from the heads of departments.
Films must be submitted to the selection committee by 15 September 2025. The selection committee's decision must be made no later than 3 October 2025.
Lists of films selected to participate in the first stage of the Festival must be submitted to the Festival Organising Committee no later than 3 October 2025. The total duration of the selected films must not exceed 12 hours.
The selected works will be screened for the members of the professional jury from 20 to 24 October 2025.
The results of the student rating (rating questionnaire of the participants in the screening and discussion presented during the first stage of the Festival) will be publicly announced on 24 October 2025 by the Festival Organising Committee.
Films that receive the Grand Prix, prizes for best direction of a feature film, non-fiction film, animated film, and multimedia project, as decided by the Festival Organising Committee, will be able to represent VGIK in the second stage of the VGIK International Student Festival.
2.4. SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THE COMPETITION
Student applications are processed individually with the approval of the master. The complete application package for participation in the first stage of the Festival must be submitted to the Festival Organising Committee by 23:00 on 12 September 2025. Applications submitted later will not be accepted. The Organising Committee will forward the collected application package to the VGIK employee responsible for forming and supervising the selection committee.
Applications are submitted electronically on the official website of the Festival www.vgikfestival.com. The electronic application package consists of:
● an electronic application form;
● a digital file of the film;
● a photograph of the director (and other team members, if their faculty has submitted an application for participation);
● stills from the film;
● a trailer/film clip no longer than 30 seconds;
● a version of the film with English subtitles (if available).
All documents must be completed and uploaded on the official website of the Festival. Submission of an application means consent to participate in the first stage of the festival if selected.
2.5. PROVISION OF MASTER COPIES FOR DISPLAY
Master copies of films for screening at the festival shall be provided in the form of a digital file (technical requirements: H.264 compression type, any format except *.wmv and *.mov) or on DCP.
Master copies of films must be submitted to the Festival Organising Committee no later than 8 October 2025.
2.6. SPECIAL PROVISIONS
Participants who have passed the selection round must submit the following documents:
● Editing sheets;
● Copies of contracts with the film's authors;
● Music reference.
2.1. PROGRAMME
● Competition for screenwriting skills among VGIK students;
● Competition for film studies works;
● Exhibitions of paintings, graphic works and photographs;
● Non-competitive screenings;
● Special events.
2.2. DATES OF THE EVENT
The first stage of the Festival will take place from 20 to 24 October 2025.
2.3. TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR SELECTION OF THE COMPETITION PROGRAMME
The competition programme for the first stage of the Festival is formed by a selection committee from student works created between 30 June 2024 and 30 June 2025.
Each workshop provides a list of films, according to the quota, for the selection committee. Applications are collected by the Festival Organising Committee and a link to the cloud storage is provided to the VGIK employee responsible for the selection committee's activities.
The selection committee is formed from the professional teaching staff of VGIK at the suggestion of the faculties and employees of the Scientific Research Institute of Cinematic Arts based on proposals from the heads of departments.
Films must be submitted to the selection committee by 15 September 2025. The selection committee's decision must be made no later than 3 October 2025.
Lists of films selected to participate in the first stage of the Festival must be submitted to the Festival Organising Committee no later than 3 October 2025. The total duration of the selected films must not exceed 12 hours.
The selected works will be screened for the members of the professional jury from 20 to 24 October 2025.
The results of the student rating (rating questionnaire of the participants in the screening and discussion presented during the first stage of the Festival) will be publicly announced on 24 October 2025 by the Festival Organising Committee.
Films that receive the Grand Prix, prizes for best direction of a feature film, non-fiction film, animated film, and multimedia project, as decided by the Festival Organising Committee, will be able to represent VGIK in the second stage of the VGIK International Student Festival.
2.4. SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THE COMPETITION
Student applications are processed individually with the approval of the master. The complete application package for participation in the first stage of the Festival must be submitted to the Festival Organising Committee by 23:00 on 12 September 2025. Applications submitted later will not be accepted. The Organising Committee will forward the collected application package to the VGIK employee responsible for forming and supervising the selection committee.
Applications are submitted electronically on the official website of the Festival www.vgikfestival.com. The electronic application package consists of:
● an electronic application form;
● a digital file of the film;
● a photograph of the director (and other team members, if their faculty has submitted an application for participation);
● stills from the film;
● a trailer/film clip no longer than 30 seconds;
● a version of the film with English subtitles (if available).
All documents must be completed and uploaded on the official website of the Festival. Submission of an application means consent to participate in the first stage of the festival if selected.
2.5. PROVISION OF MASTER COPIES FOR DISPLAY
Master copies of films for screening at the festival shall be provided in the form of a digital file (technical requirements: H.264 compression type, any format except *.wmv and *.mov) or on DCP.
Master copies of films must be submitted to the Festival Organising Committee no later than 8 October 2025.
2.6. SPECIAL PROVISIONS
Participants who have passed the selection round must submit the following documents:
● Editing sheets;
● Copies of contracts with the film's authors;
● Music reference.
3. SECOND STAGE OF THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FESTIVAL OF VGIK.
3.1. PROGRAMME
● screenings of the second and first stages of the Festival;
● non-competitive screenings (premieres, retrospectives, special programmes);
● press conferences, round tables, master classes;
● scientific and scientific-practical conferences;
● special events;
● concerts and entertainment events.
3.2. DATES OF THE EVENT
The second stage of the Festival will take place from 10 to 14 November 2025.
3.3. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION
Films created in state-run professional higher education institutions that train personnel for film and television and implement higher education programmes are eligible to participate in the second stage of the Festival. If there are no state institutions in the participant's country of residence that train personnel for film and television, films created in private educational institutions are eligible to participate.
Feature films, documentaries, animated films and multimedia films created between 30 June 2024 and 30 June 2025 are eligible for participation in the competition.
Film schools shall conduct the preliminary selection of films submitted for participation in the competition independently in accordance with their established rules.
The duration of the selected programme of films submitted by each film school for the competition must not exceed 1 hour.
The total duration of the programme for the second stage of the VGIK International Student Festival must not exceed 12 hours.
Films that are not selected for the competition may be presented in other special film programmes.
The selection of films is carried out by a selection committee appointed by the Festival Organising Committee.
The selection committee shall decide on the admission of a film to the competition programme by 30 September 2025.
3.4. SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THE COMPETITION
The complete application package for participation in the second stage of the VGIK International Student Festival must be submitted to the Festival Organising Committee no later than 15 September 2025. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.
Applications must be submitted electronically on the official Festival website www.vgikfestival.com by 23:00 Moscow time on 15 September 2025.
The application package consists of:
● an electronic application form;
● a preview copy of the film with English subtitles (file size no larger than 3 GB);
● a photograph of the director;
● stills from the film (3 pieces);
● a trailer/film clip no longer than 30 seconds;
● a version of the film with English subtitles (if available);
● dialogue sheets for the film.
All documents must be completed and uploaded on the official website of the Festival.
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
The participant is responsible for sending the film materials intended for screening in the competition. DVDs with films will not be returned.
3.5. PROVISION OF MASTER COPIES FOR DISPLAY
At the participant's request, the preview copy of the film may be used to screen the film at the festival as the master copy of the film.
If the participant intends to screen their film at the festival in a different format/quality, the master copies of the films must be submitted to the Festival Organising Committee no later than 5 October 2025.
Master copies of films for screening at the festival shall be provided in the form of a digital file (technical requirements: H.264 compression type, any format except *.wmv and *.mov) or on DCP.
3.6. TRANSPORTATION AND INSURANCE OF MASTER COPIES
The master copy of the film shall be sent at the participant's expense. The return of master copies of films to participants shall be carried out at the expense of VGIK.
VGIK shall insure the master copy of the film within the territory of Moscow upon receipt of a special request.
3.7. PARTICIPANTS AND GUESTS
The Festival Organising Committee invites one representative – the author of the film – from each school, for whom the Festival will arrange accommodation and three meals a day for the duration of the Festival from 9 to 15 November 2025 (including the days of arrival and departure of participants). Additional days of accommodation outside the established dates of the Festival will not be paid for by the Organising Committee.
The Festival Organising Committee provides meals and accommodation for non-resident and foreign participants, according to the approved lists.
The Festival Organising Committee does not cover the travel expenses of Festival participants and guests.
The Festival Organising Committee will not pay for accommodation and meals for additional school representatives.
The deadline for Festival participants to submit their accommodation requests is 10 October 2025.
The deadline for providing the exact dates of their stay is 10 October 2025.
3.8. VISA APPLICATION
Participants must apply for an electronic visa (e-visa). The Festival Organising Committee will assist in obtaining the necessary documents, including an invitation to the country. Participants are responsible for paying the consular fee. In order to obtain a Russian visa in a timely manner, foreign participants must email the Festival Organising Committee a completed ‘Stay in Russia’ form and a scanned copy of the first page of the participant's foreign passport no later than 3 October 2025, with information about the participant's place of residence and the city where the visa will be obtained.
3.1. PROGRAMME
● screenings of the second and first stages of the Festival;
● non-competitive screenings (premieres, retrospectives, special programmes);
● press conferences, round tables, master classes;
● scientific and scientific-practical conferences;
● special events;
● concerts and entertainment events.
3.2. DATES OF THE EVENT
The second stage of the Festival will take place from 10 to 14 November 2025.
3.3. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION
Films created in state-run professional higher education institutions that train personnel for film and television and implement higher education programmes are eligible to participate in the second stage of the Festival. If there are no state institutions in the participant's country of residence that train personnel for film and television, films created in private educational institutions are eligible to participate.
Feature films, documentaries, animated films and multimedia films created between 30 June 2024 and 30 June 2025 are eligible for participation in the competition.
Film schools shall conduct the preliminary selection of films submitted for participation in the competition independently in accordance with their established rules.
The duration of the selected programme of films submitted by each film school for the competition must not exceed 1 hour.
The total duration of the programme for the second stage of the VGIK International Student Festival must not exceed 12 hours.
Films that are not selected for the competition may be presented in other special film programmes.
The selection of films is carried out by a selection committee appointed by the Festival Organising Committee.
The selection committee shall decide on the admission of a film to the competition programme by 30 September 2025.
3.4. SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THE COMPETITION
The complete application package for participation in the second stage of the VGIK International Student Festival must be submitted to the Festival Organising Committee no later than 15 September 2025. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.
Applications must be submitted electronically on the official Festival website www.vgikfestival.com by 23:00 Moscow time on 15 September 2025.
The application package consists of:
● an electronic application form;
● a preview copy of the film with English subtitles (file size no larger than 3 GB);
● a photograph of the director;
● stills from the film (3 pieces);
● a trailer/film clip no longer than 30 seconds;
● a version of the film with English subtitles (if available);
● dialogue sheets for the film.
All documents must be completed and uploaded on the official website of the Festival.
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
The participant is responsible for sending the film materials intended for screening in the competition. DVDs with films will not be returned.
3.5. PROVISION OF MASTER COPIES FOR DISPLAY
At the participant's request, the preview copy of the film may be used to screen the film at the festival as the master copy of the film.
If the participant intends to screen their film at the festival in a different format/quality, the master copies of the films must be submitted to the Festival Organising Committee no later than 5 October 2025.
Master copies of films for screening at the festival shall be provided in the form of a digital file (technical requirements: H.264 compression type, any format except *.wmv and *.mov) or on DCP.
3.6. TRANSPORTATION AND INSURANCE OF MASTER COPIES
The master copy of the film shall be sent at the participant's expense. The return of master copies of films to participants shall be carried out at the expense of VGIK.
VGIK shall insure the master copy of the film within the territory of Moscow upon receipt of a special request.
3.7. PARTICIPANTS AND GUESTS
The Festival Organising Committee invites one representative – the author of the film – from each school, for whom the Festival will arrange accommodation and three meals a day for the duration of the Festival from 9 to 15 November 2025 (including the days of arrival and departure of participants). Additional days of accommodation outside the established dates of the Festival will not be paid for by the Organising Committee.
The Festival Organising Committee provides meals and accommodation for non-resident and foreign participants, according to the approved lists.
The Festival Organising Committee does not cover the travel expenses of Festival participants and guests.
The Festival Organising Committee will not pay for accommodation and meals for additional school representatives.
The deadline for Festival participants to submit their accommodation requests is 10 October 2025.
The deadline for providing the exact dates of their stay is 10 October 2025.
3.8. VISA APPLICATION
Participants must apply for an electronic visa (e-visa). The Festival Organising Committee will assist in obtaining the necessary documents, including an invitation to the country. Participants are responsible for paying the consular fee. In order to obtain a Russian visa in a timely manner, foreign participants must email the Festival Organising Committee a completed ‘Stay in Russia’ form and a scanned copy of the first page of the participant's foreign passport no later than 3 October 2025, with information about the participant's place of residence and the city where the visa will be obtained.
4. INTERNATIONAL THEATRE COMPETITION
4.1. PROGRAMME
● International competition of graduation performances by Russian and foreign film and theatre universities;
● non-competitive screenings of graduation performances by Russian and foreign film and theatre universities;
● master classes by leading figures in film and theatre from Russia and abroad.
4.2. DATES OF THE EVENT
The international theatre competition is scheduled to take place from 10 to 14 November 2025.
4.3. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION
The competition is open to diploma drama performances created by students and teachers of full-time final year courses at Russian and foreign higher education institutions that provide professional training for specialists in cinema, theatre and television.
Only one production from each invited Russian and foreign school is eligible for the competition.
Productions participating in the competition may be performed in the language of the participating school's country. The production's sets must be mobile. VGIK does not construct, transport, insure or process sets, nor does it provide props.
The competition and non-competition programmes are formed by the Festival Organising Committee, guided by the objectives, these regulations and the theme of the Festival. The Organising Committee reserves the right to refuse a school's participation in the festival for valid reasons.
4.4. SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THE COMPETITION
The complete application package for participation in the International Theatre Competition must be submitted to the Festival Organising Committee no later than 14 September 2025. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.
The application package for participation in the competition includes:
● A completed application form signed by an official representative of the school (rector, dean, artistic director) — to be submitted to the Festival Organising Committee by email to theatredep@vgikfestival.com and in the original version;
● A recording of the performance — either a DVD should be sent to the Festival Organising Committee at the following address: 129226, Russia, Moscow, Wilhelma Pika Street, 3, marked ‘21st International Theatre Competition’, or a link to a video hosting/file sharing service with a recording of the performance should be sent by email.
● 3 photos from the performance — should be sent to the Festival Organising Committee in electronic form by email.
4.5. PARTICIPANTS AND GUESTS
The Festival Organising Committee invites school delegations consisting of 1–2 teachers and up to 10 students participating in the performance, for a total of up to 12 participants, to take part in the competition.
The Festival Organising Committee will cover the accommodation costs for delegations from other cities and abroad, as well as three meals a day at VGIK for the duration of the Festival from 9 to 15 November 2025. Additional days of accommodation and meals outside the established dates of the Festival will not be covered by the Organising Committee.
The deadline for Festival participants to submit their accommodation requests is 3 October 2025.
4.1. PROGRAMME
● International competition of graduation performances by Russian and foreign film and theatre universities;
● non-competitive screenings of graduation performances by Russian and foreign film and theatre universities;
● master classes by leading figures in film and theatre from Russia and abroad.
4.2. DATES OF THE EVENT
The international theatre competition is scheduled to take place from 10 to 14 November 2025.
4.3. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION
The competition is open to diploma drama performances created by students and teachers of full-time final year courses at Russian and foreign higher education institutions that provide professional training for specialists in cinema, theatre and television.
Only one production from each invited Russian and foreign school is eligible for the competition.
Productions participating in the competition may be performed in the language of the participating school's country. The production's sets must be mobile. VGIK does not construct, transport, insure or process sets, nor does it provide props.
The competition and non-competition programmes are formed by the Festival Organising Committee, guided by the objectives, these regulations and the theme of the Festival. The Organising Committee reserves the right to refuse a school's participation in the festival for valid reasons.
4.4. SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THE COMPETITION
The complete application package for participation in the International Theatre Competition must be submitted to the Festival Organising Committee no later than 14 September 2025. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.
The application package for participation in the competition includes:
● A completed application form signed by an official representative of the school (rector, dean, artistic director) — to be submitted to the Festival Organising Committee by email to theatredep@vgikfestival.com and in the original version;
● A recording of the performance — either a DVD should be sent to the Festival Organising Committee at the following address: 129226, Russia, Moscow, Wilhelma Pika Street, 3, marked ‘21st International Theatre Competition’, or a link to a video hosting/file sharing service with a recording of the performance should be sent by email.
● 3 photos from the performance — should be sent to the Festival Organising Committee in electronic form by email.
4.5. PARTICIPANTS AND GUESTS
The Festival Organising Committee invites school delegations consisting of 1–2 teachers and up to 10 students participating in the performance, for a total of up to 12 participants, to take part in the competition.
The Festival Organising Committee will cover the accommodation costs for delegations from other cities and abroad, as well as three meals a day at VGIK for the duration of the Festival from 9 to 15 November 2025. Additional days of accommodation and meals outside the established dates of the Festival will not be covered by the Organising Committee.
The deadline for Festival participants to submit their accommodation requests is 3 October 2025.
5. LEGAL MATTERS AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Submission of an application to participate in the festival implies the participant's full agreement with these regulations.
Films containing information whose dissemination is prohibited by the legislation of the Russian Federation are not eligible for participation:
● for depicting tobacco smoking, unless such action is a necessary and integral part of the artistic concept;
● for the promotion of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors;
● for propaganda or agitation that incites social, racial, national or religious hatred and enmity;
● for the promotion of extremist activities and the use of extremist materials;
● for the use of non-standard vocabulary.
● for the depiction of violence and cruelty, materials promoting non-traditional sexual relationships and/or preferences, paedophilia, or gender reassignment.
Films with an age restriction of 18+ are also not eligible for participation in the festival.
All conditions and terms specified in these regulations are mandatory, otherwise the Festival Organising Committee reserves the right to exclude the film/theatrical performance from the Festival programme.
Submission of an application to participate in the festival means that the participant agrees to the processing of their personal data in accordance with Federal Law No. 152-FZ of 27 July 2006 ‘On Personal Data’. The Festival Organiser processes the personal data of Festival participants solely for the purposes of holding the Festival.
Submission of an application to participate in the festival means the conclusion of a licence agreement between the participant and the festival organiser, according to which the festival participant (licensor) grants the festival organiser (licensee) the right to use the audiovisual work — film, theatrical performance submitted by the participant for screening at the Festival — in the following ways:
● reproduction of the film for the purposes of the Festival;
● distribution of the film for the purposes of the Festival;
● public screening of the film/theatrical performance for the purposes of the Festival;
● use of the film trailer, stills, slides and other fragments of the film lasting no more than 3 minutes for publication in the media and on the Internet for the purposes of the Festival.
The right to use the film/theatrical performance in the specified manner is transferred under the terms of a simple (non-exclusive) licence for the duration of the Festival and in relation to the territory of the Russian Federation, as well as on the Internet.
The Festival Organiser shall be entitled to issue sub-licences to third parties without obtaining additional written approval from the Festival participant, provided that the provisions of these regulations are complied with.
The use of films/theatrical performances shall only be possible for the purposes of the Festival.
Submission of an application to participate in any of the three competition programmes of the Festival means that the Festival participant certifies that he/she is the copyright holder of the film/ theatrical performance, or has all the necessary permissions from the copyright holders of the film/theatrical performance participating in the Festival programme for their use within the framework of the Festival. The Festival participant guarantees that in the event of any claims from third parties regarding the violation of any intellectual property rights, they will settle such claims independently and at their own expense.
Submission of an application to participate in the festival implies the participant's full agreement with these regulations.
Films containing information whose dissemination is prohibited by the legislation of the Russian Federation are not eligible for participation:
● for depicting tobacco smoking, unless such action is a necessary and integral part of the artistic concept;
● for the promotion of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors;
● for propaganda or agitation that incites social, racial, national or religious hatred and enmity;
● for the promotion of extremist activities and the use of extremist materials;
● for the use of non-standard vocabulary.
● for the depiction of violence and cruelty, materials promoting non-traditional sexual relationships and/or preferences, paedophilia, or gender reassignment.
Films with an age restriction of 18+ are also not eligible for participation in the festival.
All conditions and terms specified in these regulations are mandatory, otherwise the Festival Organising Committee reserves the right to exclude the film/theatrical performance from the Festival programme.
Submission of an application to participate in the festival means that the participant agrees to the processing of their personal data in accordance with Federal Law No. 152-FZ of 27 July 2006 ‘On Personal Data’. The Festival Organiser processes the personal data of Festival participants solely for the purposes of holding the Festival.
Submission of an application to participate in the festival means the conclusion of a licence agreement between the participant and the festival organiser, according to which the festival participant (licensor) grants the festival organiser (licensee) the right to use the audiovisual work — film, theatrical performance submitted by the participant for screening at the Festival — in the following ways:
● reproduction of the film for the purposes of the Festival;
● distribution of the film for the purposes of the Festival;
● public screening of the film/theatrical performance for the purposes of the Festival;
● use of the film trailer, stills, slides and other fragments of the film lasting no more than 3 minutes for publication in the media and on the Internet for the purposes of the Festival.
The right to use the film/theatrical performance in the specified manner is transferred under the terms of a simple (non-exclusive) licence for the duration of the Festival and in relation to the territory of the Russian Federation, as well as on the Internet.
The Festival Organiser shall be entitled to issue sub-licences to third parties without obtaining additional written approval from the Festival participant, provided that the provisions of these regulations are complied with.
The use of films/theatrical performances shall only be possible for the purposes of the Festival.
Submission of an application to participate in any of the three competition programmes of the Festival means that the Festival participant certifies that he/she is the copyright holder of the film/ theatrical performance, or has all the necessary permissions from the copyright holders of the film/theatrical performance participating in the Festival programme for their use within the framework of the Festival. The Festival participant guarantees that in the event of any claims from third parties regarding the violation of any intellectual property rights, they will settle such claims independently and at their own expense.
VGIK International Student Festival 2024