On September 9, in the new building of the Tatar State Academic Theatre named after Galiaskar Kamala, the closing ceremony of the XXI Kazan International Film Festival «Altyn Minbar» took place. Film from Montenegro won Grand Prix.

The closing ceremony was led by theater and film actors Ratmir Garifullin and Guzel Sibgatullin. The event took place under the musical accompaniment of the orchestra «Kazan Nura» under the direction of Rasim Ilyasov.

Guests of the ceremony were welcomed by the Deputy Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan Marat Akhmetov. He announced the winner of the Prize of the Republic of Tatarstan «For humanism in film art» - a movie «The Puppet’s Tale» by the director Sumana Mukhopadhyai (India). The winner received a certificate of 500 thousand rubles.

Marat Akhmetov on behalf of the Tatarstan Republic Rustam Minnikhanov expressed his gratitude to the organizers of «Altyn Minbar» for their contribution to the cultural development of the region. «Our festival is a unique space where not only creative achievements are displayed, but also a sincere coming together of art people, united by common goals and aspirations. The scale of the film forum creates a special atmosphere of co-creation and creative dialogue. Tatarstan is an amazing region where the cultures of East and West are harmoniously intertwined», - said the Deputy Chairman of the State Council.

The film festival «Altyn minbar» for many years unites cultures and religions, affirms the values of peace and humanism. Deputy Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation, member of the selection committee of the film festival Rushan Abbyasov awarded the prize for « Special mention of the jury » to the film « Carved by the Wind » director Lyla Triki (Morocco).

«It is a great honor for me to welcome guests and participants on behalf of the Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia, President of the Kazan International Film Festival «Altyn Minbar» Rabil Gainutdin. Today we are witnessing a momentous event - the conclusion of the film forum, which for many years has served as a reliable bridge between cultures, strengthening peace, friendship and good-neighbourly relations among peoples. The main mission of the festival is to learn about the rich diversity of cultures and traditions, because this is the great wisdom of the Creator. In the era of global change, it is especially important to maintain and increase spiritual values, moral guidelines and humanity», - shared Rushan Abbyasov.

Head of the Culture Department of the Executive Committee Kazan Azat Abzalov awarded the Mayor’s Prize of the city of Kazan to the Tatarstan director Bai Hilulin for the documentary «Kazan seam». «The Film Forum has undoubtedly become a significant cultural event, and its impact on the development of cinema we will be able to fully appreciate in the near future. Allow me to express my sincere wishes for success and good luck to all the participants and organizers of this remarkable event. Separately I want to convey warm greetings and best wishes from the Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Raizovich Metshin», - said Azat Abzalov.

The Strategic Vision Group «Russia - Islamic World» has been a partner of the Kazan Film Festival since 2017 and traditionally awards the prize in the framework of a special program to movies produced in the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

This year, two directors of the film «For Rana» (Iran) and Muzaffarkhon Erkinov with the movie « Magtymguly Pyragy » received an award from Marat Gatina, Assistant to Raisa RT, Deputy Chairman of the Strategic Vision Group «Russia-Islamic World» (Uzbekistan - Turkmenistan).

Deputy of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan, First Deputy Chairman of the National Council of the World Congress of Tatars, Head of the Executive Committee of the World Congress of Tatars Danis Shakirov on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, Chairman of the organizing committee of the Kazan International Film Festival «Altyn Minbar» Vasil Shihraziyeva expressed appreciation to each participant of the great creative process, whose tireless work, talent and dedication to the cause made it possible to hold a film forum and awarded the Prize of the World Congress of Tatars to the movie «House» of the director Farita Farisova (Russia). The winner received a certificate for 250 thousand rubles.

Within the framework of the XXI Kazan international film festival «Altyn minbar» there were screenings of the non-competition program «War and peace. New territories». Each selected film is not just a work of art, but a profound reflection on the fate of people, the cost of war and the importance of preserving peace for future generations. Diplomas in the special program nomination War and Peace. The New Territories» was presented by the People’s Artist of Tajikistan, the Honored Artist of the Russian Federation Ramil Tukhakulin and the First Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the All-Russian Public Movement «Union of Russian Tankinists», the Colonel of the Reserve Farit Kazakov. The award «For support of fighting spirit and striving for victory» was awarded to CMO veteran Ruzel Giniatullin.

«For the contribution to the development of Tatarstan cinema» - a diploma awarded to those who enriched the cultural life of the region with their creativity and left a strong mark on the history of cinema. Within the framework of the XXI Kazan Film Festival, the award was awarded to the people’s artist TASSR, RSFSR Ravit Sharafiev. «Rabil Shagapovich has left an indelible mark in the chronicle of Tatarstan film art», - said the chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of the Republic of Tatarstan Ildar Yagafarov.

The producer, the daughter of the idealistic creator of the film festival «Altyn minbar» Zufar Buharaeva - Svetlana Buharaeva gave a welcoming speech. «I am truly happy that the basic principles of the Film Forum, laid down in its foundation, are preserved to this day. Good ideas, the pursuit of the highest artistic level of cinematographic art not only remain unchanged, but also continue to inspire participants of the festival to create truly outstanding films», noted the producer and awarded the prize «For belief in the art of cinema» Zufar Buharaeva in the national competition for director Amir Abbyasov for the movie «Painted by snow» (Russia).

In his turn, the chairman of the selection committee of the Kazan international film festival «Altyn Minbar», director of the New Institute of culturology, candidate of historical sciences, leading researcher, Head of the Development and Testing Department of VGIK film education techniques Nina Kochelyaeva awarded the film «The Black Forest» by director Radika Kudoyarova (Russia - Germany) with the prize of cinema writers, film critics and press «For commitment to ideas of progress and reliance on world literary heritage». «This award we dedicated to the bright memory of the great Tatar poet Musa Jalil», - said the chairman of the selection commission.

Film reviewer, screenwriter, permanent expert Moscow international film festival Daria Mitina awarded the Diploma of film critics and press «For deep immersion in national history and exhaustive portrait protecting its professionals» documentary tape «Moments of Eternity» director Nawroza Biyinazova (Uzbekistan).

«Dear friends! From the bottom of our hearts we wish that Kazan will forever conquer your hearts with its unique beauty, hospitality and rich culture. We sincerely hope that your visit will leave the warmest memories, and you will definitely want to return to our beautiful city again. Kazan Film Festival will always be pleased to see you among the honored guests, because it is thanks to your participation that it becomes a truly significant and vivid event», - addressed to participants the executive director «Altyn minbar», director of GBUK RT «Tatarkino» Milyaussa Aytuganova. The film « Adventurers » by director Renate Sayga (Russia, Republic of Tatarstan) was awarded with the audience sympathy prize.

In 2025, the film forum was again attended by the jury of NETPAC - a network for the promotion of Asian cinema, cinematographic and cultural organization that brings together film critics, cinematographers, film festival curators and film distributors. The organization opens up new names and helps viewers find their way to unique images. Jury member NETPAC, Syrian-French film critic specializing in French, Arab and Asian cinema Nada Azhari Gyllon awarded by the Jury NETPAC to the movie « K-Popper » directed by Ebrahim Amini (Iran), a special mention of the jury NETPAC has received « In May, 1944 » director Alexander Dalmatov (Russia, the Republic of Tatarstan).

This year, Tatarstan filmmakers have demonstrated an impressive level of professionalism, presenting many high-quality works that did not leave the members of the selection committee indifferent. Given the high level of applications, the organizing committee of the festival decided to expand the national film program. As a result, fourteen films were presented at the XXI Kazan international film festival «Altyn Minbar» within the framework of the National Competition. The best national documentary film is «Mermaids» by director Anna Bayatitova (Russia, Republic of Tatarstan), and the best short national film - « The man pasts but the song endures » by director Alexander Dalmatov (Russia, Republic of Tatarstan). Awards and certificates for 100,000 rubles were presented by the executive director of the Foundation to support the development of culture in Raisa Nuria Hashimova and Deputy Minister of Culture Damir Natfullin.

«XXI Kazan Film Festival gave us a wonderful warmth and emotional atmosphere that warmed the hearts of all participants and guests of this momentous event. Let’s keep this magical feeling and carry it through time, because already tomorrow we will start preparations for the next grandiose film forum», - expressed wishes Damir Natfullin.

The special guest of the closing ceremony of the film festival was the rector of the Kazan State Institute of Culture and Arts Rosa Ahmadiyeva: Tatar cinema is not just art, it is a living connection of times that connects generations into one. He acts as a reliable custodian of our heritage, helping to preserve the unique language, centuries-old traditions and features of national life». The best national film at the XXI Kazan International Film Festival «Altyn Minbar» was a picture of « Mothers and Children » directed by Irek Khapizov and Yulia Zakharova (Russia, Republic of Tatarstan).

During the closing ceremony, members of the international jury were raised to the stage for the award ceremony. All of them have always thanked the organizing committee of the festival for the excellent organization of the forum, and also noted the high level of competitive works and beauty of Kazan. Thus, the director, producer, head of animation and multimedia department of the Moscow State Cultural Institute Sergei Strusovsky awarded the prize in the nomination «Best national film for children» to the project «Tugan Batyr» directed by Natalia Nilova (Russia, Republic of Tatarstan).

In the nomination «Best short film» jury member, honored artist of the Republic of Uzbekistan, head of «Center for youth and children with disabilities», created by the Youth Union of Uzbekistan Rano Shodiev awarded the prize to film «Stateless» Director Seyed Mohamadhossein Hosseini (Iran).

Chief director of the Documentary Film Directorate JSC «Pervi Kanal», general director of the studio «VSTRECHA», writer, producer, member of the Guild of Motion Picture Directors of the Russian Federation Natalia Guguueva noted the winner of the nomination «Best Documentary» - «Lost Season» of the director Mehdi Ganavati (Iran). «This picture has all the components from which a real artistic work is composed: plot, conflict, intrigue and multi-level development of characters», - noted the director.

For the participation in the film festival «Altyn minbar» in the program «Animated cinema» 100 applications from 25 countries were submitted. Jury member, head of model department, art director, artistic director of company U Hongliang (China) announced the award winners for «Best animated film». They became directors Yevgeny Golodin and Alexander Afonasiev for the animated film « Out there » (Russia).

For the Award for «Best Screenplay of a Full-Length Movie» on stage was invited member of the jury, director of short films, documentaries, experimental, animation and feature films Mohammad Ali Sajadi (Iran). The victory was won by the director and screenwriter of film «Evacuation» Farhat Sharipov (Kazakhstan).

The best cameraman of the full-length movie was recognized as George Stolikovich (painting «The Tower of Strength», Montenegro). The award was presented by a member of the jury, director, actor, screenwriter Magdi Ahmed Ali (Egypt).

Russian and American actor, producer, world champion in mixed martial arts Oleg Taktarov announced the winner in the nomination «Best actress of full-length movie» - Setai Dehgan for the role in the film «K-Popper» (Iran). In turn, a member of the jury, Nigerian film industry leader, creator and executive director of the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) Chioma Ude named the name of the Best Actor of a Feature Film at the XXI Kazan Film Festival. He became an honored artist of the Republic of Tatarstan, theater and film actor Zulfat Zakuirov, played the main role in the movie «The Black Forest» (Russia - Germany).

The best director of a full-length movie was recognized by Ebrahim Amini for the film «K-Popper» (Iran). The award was presented by a member of the jury, film director, President of the Oman Cinema Association Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ashmi (Sultanate of Oman).

For the Grand Prix award «Best full-length movie» on stage was invited chairman of jury XXI Kazan international film festival «Altyn Minbar», sound engineer who received the prize «Oscar» for the film «Slumdog Millionaire» Reсуl Pukutti (India). «Participation in the work of the film forum allowed me to once again verify the profound wisdom of its motto: «Through the dialogue of cultures - to the culture of dialogue». Our team is made up of leading experts from all over the world, and the process of working together has been incredibly fruitful. We not only evaluated the competitive works, but also actively exchanged opinions, shared professional experience and gave valuable recommendations to participants, which I am sure will help them in their further creative development», - shared the chairman of the jury.

The winner in the nomination «Best full-length feature film» was «The Tower of Strength» director Nikola Vukčević (Montenegro). On «Altyn minbar» took place the Russian premiere of the painting. The film’s plot is based on real events during World War II. The award at the closing ceremony of the film festival was received by the producer Milorad Radanovich: This award was a truly unexpected and joyful event for us, filling our hearts with sincere gratitude. We are infinitely grateful to you for appreciating the main idea of our film: in today’s difficult time, humanity remains the constant value that unites people, regardless of their origin, faith and beliefs».

The group «Kazan Children’s Philharmonic» under the direction of Gulnaz Gafurov, show ballet artists of the Kazan Circus, vocal performers Marina Karpova pleased with their creative guest rooms, Sumbel Kiyamova, soloists of the Tatar State Philharmonic named after Gabdulla Tukai Amir Ahmadishin, Florit Gizdatullin, Raphael Yacopov and Russian actress of theater and cinema Dayana Guds.

At the end of the evening, the group "Kazan "Egetlari" performed the anthem of the film festival under the scenes of the diaries «Altyn Minbar», held in the capital of Tatarstan from 5 to 9 September.