Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF)

Overview

The Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF) is Russia's most important film festival. Founded in 1935 and currently held biennially in April in Moscow, MIFF is one of only fourteen festivals worldwide to hold FIAPF's highest-level A-list accreditation, placing it alongside Cannes, Venice, Berlin, and other major festivals.

MIFF has a complex history shaped by Soviet cultural politics, its function during the Cold War as a showcase for Soviet and Socialist bloc cinema, and its post-Soviet transition to a more open international program. The festival has operated continuously since the Soviet era, making it one of the world's oldest film festivals.

The festival's current geopolitical context -- the international isolation of Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine -- has significantly affected its international programming and participation.

Key Sections

• Main Competition -- films competing for the St. George Award
• Russian Film Program -- new Russian features
• Documentary Program -- nonfiction features
• Short Film Competition -- competitive short programs
• Special Screenings -- films outside competition

What Filmmakers Should Know

Due to Russia's international isolation following its invasion of Ukraine, many Western countries' filmmakers and institutions no longer participate in MIFF. The festival's programming and international relationships have been substantially affected by the current geopolitical situation.

Major Awards

• Golden St. George -- Best Film
• Silver St. George -- Special Jury Prize
• Best Director
• Best Actor / Best Actress

Festival History

MIFF was founded in 1935, making it one of the world's oldest film festivals, and has operated through the Soviet and post-Soviet eras.

See Also

For Russian cinema history, see History of Cinema. For Eastern European cinema, see International Film Markets.