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Find out moreAt the end of June, the 19th Zerkalo Film, Music, and Architecture Festival was held in Ivanovo. This event showcased the best films of the season, as well as the latest works by renowned Russian directors. Film critic Timur Aliyev shares the history of the festival named after Andrei Tarkovsky and recommends three outstanding films from the main competition. The Zerkalo Festival continues Tarkovsky's tradition, drawing attention to high-quality cinema and cultural events.
What is this festival?
Zerkalo is an international film festival that has been held in the Ivanovo region since the late 2000s. Initially, the main screenings took place in the town of Plyos, but in recent years the festival center has moved to Ivanovo. The opening ceremony of the festival is traditionally held in Yuryevets, the place where the famous director Andrei Tarkovsky once lived. This film festival attracts the attention of both domestic and international audiences, offering a diverse program of films and events dedicated to contemporary cinema. "Zerkalo" promotes the development of culture and art in the region, creating a platform for discussing current topics and new trends in the film industry.
Film scholar Sergei Lavrentiev initially oversaw the programming of the Zerkalo festival. In the early 2010s, film critic Andrei Plakhov joined the organization and led the team. Since 2024, Lavrentiev has again assumed leadership of the festival in collaboration with former Kinotavr Programming Director Sitora Aliyeva. Over the years, the Zerkalo festival has attracted numerous renowned guests and jury members, including such celebrities as Krzysztof Zanussi, Kim Dong-ho, Ralph Fiennes, and Theo Angelopoulos. The festival continues to be an important part of the cultural life and a platform for international cinema.
Since 2024, the Zerkalo festival will be organized by Red Carpet Studio under the direction of Anton Kalinkin. This team has already established itself, successfully hosting film festivals such as Pilot in Ivanovo, Koroche in Kaliningrad, and Chitka in Moscow. The Zerkalo festival has taken a new direction, expanding its program beyond film to include music and architecture. However, the event does not include events directly related to these fields. Instead, non-competition programs will be presented, focusing on films dedicated to music and architecture, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in these cultural aspects.
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Moscow Skyscrapers and Surfing in Kamchatka: Russian Documentary by Beat Film Festival
The Beat Film Festival documentary is a unique blend of urban architecture and Russia's natural landscapes. The focus is on Moscow's impressive skyscrapers, symbolizing the capital's modernity and dynamic development. At the same time, viewers will be able to enjoy the beauty of the Kamchatka coast, where surfing is becoming not only a sport but a way of life. The film reveals the contrast between the urban environment and wild nature, showing how people interact with these two different worlds. Beat Film Festival offers viewers an in-depth analysis of cultural and environmental aspects, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural heritage in the context of rapid urbanization.
What's been shown here before
The 19th Zerkalo festival took place in 2025, having successfully survived the 2000s and 2010s. Every year, this festival screens interesting and significant films. The festival program includes numerous popular films, some of which have become true hits at the box office and on streaming platforms. For example, Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite," which won both the Palme d'Or at Cannes and an Oscar, premiered in Russia in Ivanovo. The festival continues to draw attention to quality cinema and serves as an important platform for the exchange of cultural ideas.
Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his unique Lanthimos, who has been making films for a long time, currently releases one film a year in collaboration with his muse Emma Stone. However, in 2012, before Lanthimos achieved such fame, one of his early works, Alps, was premiered at the Zerkalo Film Festival. The film is a drama about a night nurse at a hospital who offers an unusual service. For a fee, the members of the Alps group, including the main character, stand in for the recently deceased during visits by grieving relatives. They meticulously study the habits, speech patterns, and behavior of the deceased, wearing their clothes and recreating scenes from their life to help family members better cope with the loss. Lanthimos creates an existential story about a world where identity and individuality have disappeared, and everyone can pretend to be who they want to be. The film "Alps" raises important questions about life, death, and human relationships, making it a significant work in cinema.
Zerkalo hosted the Russian premiere of Justine Triet's drama "Anatomy of a Fall," which won the Palme d'Or at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. This dramatic detective story tells the story of a famous writer accused of murdering her husband, and it sparked intense debate about her guilt after its screening. The film touches on important themes and sparks heated debate among audiences, underscoring its significance in contemporary cinema.
The "Mirrors" competition featured unusual films, among which the course work of director Ilya Zimin's "Father's Son." This low-budget family drama unfolds in the confined space of a village house, highlighting the intimacy and tension between the characters. The screening attracted local residents who came to support their fellow countryman from Ivanovo. The film depicts profound human emotions and raises important questions about family ties and interactions in confined spaces. Sergei Kudryavtsev, a renowned Soviet and Russian film scholar, presented his directorial debut at the Zerkalo festival—the drama "And There Will Be a Daughter." The film tells the complex story of a young woman searching for love and struggling to understand life's complex issues. According to Kudryavtsev, this work is inspired by the works of such classics as Andrei Tarkovsky and Japanese director Yasujiro Ozu, which imbues the film with a profound philosophical subtext and aesthetic expressiveness.
What to look for this year
Bogdan Mureşanu is a talented director known for his unique approaches to film and theater production. His work is distinguished by a profound understanding of human nature and an ability to convey complex emotions through visual imagery. Mureşanu actively experiments with genres, which allows him to create original and memorable works. His films and performances have received acclaim from both audiences and critics, confirming his status as one of the leading directors of our time. Bogdan Mureşanu's work inspires a younger generation of creators and remains relevant in the art world.
An epic tragicomedy about the fall of the regime in Romania, this film explores the complex and contradictory aspects of this historical period. The plot combines elements of drama and comedy, allowing for a deeper understanding of how political change affects people's lives. At the center of the narrative are characters who are confronted with the absurdity of the system and try to find their place in the new environment. This work not only entertains, but also makes one think about the consequences of authoritarian rule and the importance of freedom for society.
The Best Director award is one of the most prestigious in the film industry. This award recognizes the director's outstanding achievements in creating films that are distinguished by high quality, originality and artistic value. Receiving the Best Director statuette The award recognizes the artist's skill and talent, as well as their ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through visual art. This award not only recognizes individual achievements but also makes a significant contribution to the development of cinema as an art form. Directors awarded this award often become icons of their time, inspiring a new generation of creators.
December 1989. Young people openly criticize the regime and dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, while their parents—teachers, doctors, and television workers—abidingly follow the authorities' orders. Demonstrations in defense of the country's leader are being actively prepared on the streets. At home, behind closed doors, people try to understand their internal conflicts and contradictions arising against a backdrop of social change and political instability.
This tragicomedy about the revolution in Romania and the overthrow of the dictator skillfully intertwines personal dramas with large-scale historical events. A TV presenter is persuaded to take part in a patriotic New Year's program. The son of a state television editor secretly attempts to leave the country with the help of smugglers. A little boy writes a letter to Santa Claus, asking him to "kill Uncle Nicolae, because that's what Daddy wants." This story vividly illustrates how personal destinies intertwine with the fate of an entire nation during a period of revolutionary change, highlighting the difficulty of choosing between duty and personal freedom.
Muresanu masterfully blends comedic and tragic elements, illustrating the absurdity of the communist regime through the lives of six characters. This work is a witty yet disturbing reimagining of holiday cinema, in which the creators openly acknowledge the political realities of the time.
The film premiered in the Horizons section at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, where it won the Grand Prize. This event underscores the film's significance in world cinema and its recognition on the international stage. The success of the film at the prestigious festival testifies to the high level of performance and the relevance of the topics raised.
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The film "Hate" with Vincent Cassel: 30 years of social analysis and relevance
The film "Hate" (La Haine), released Thirty years later, it remains a landmark work that addresses important social issues such as violence, racism, and police brutality. Director Matthew Kassovitz crafted a powerful story about three young people living in the suburbs of Paris who face the consequences of social inequality and systemic injustice.
The film focuses on three main characters—Vincent, Habib, and Laurent—whose lives are dramatically changed after an encounter with the police. Their struggle for survival and their search for a place in society makes "Hate" relevant to this day, as the issues raised in the film remain important for today's world.
The film has become a cult classic thanks to its frank and emotional presentation. Stylistic choices, such as black-and-white photography, enhance the atmosphere of hopelessness and tension. The visuals and powerful script highlight the pervasive hatred that surrounds the characters and challenges the viewer to question what leads to violence and conflict in society.
For three decades, "Hate" continues to inspire filmmakers and activists, serving as a reminder of the need for dialogue and understanding between different social groups. The film remains an important cultural phenomenon that provokes reflection on the state of society and the path to change.
Hong Sang-soo is a renowned South Korean director, screenwriter, and producer whose work has had a significant influence on contemporary cinema. He is known for his unique storytelling styles and deep psychological portraits of characters. His films often explore complex human relationships, loneliness, and melancholy, making them emotionally rich and memorable. Hong Sang-soo has received numerous awards at international film festivals, confirming his status as one of the leading auteurs in the world of cinema. His work attracts the attention of both audiences and critics, making him an important figure in Korean and world cinema.
A poetic comedy exploring differences in wealth. This genre of theater allows for a deeper understanding of social contrasts, illuminating inequalities in financial opportunity. Through humor and irony, the authors raise important questions about wealth and poverty, demonstrating how these aspects influence human relationships and social dynamics. Through vibrant characters and witty dialogue, viewers can understand how capital shapes not only material living conditions but also people's worldviews.
The festival's Grand Prix is a prestigious award that recognizes the outstanding achievements of participants. It is not only a symbol of recognition but also an incentive for further creativity and development. Participation in the festival provides an opportunity to showcase one's talents and receive recognition from professionals in their field. The Grand Prix becomes an important career milestone, opening new horizons and opportunities for the realization of creative ideas. Receiving this award highlights not only the artist’s skill but also the uniqueness of his approach to work, which is especially valued in the creative community.
The main character of the story is 35-year-old poet Ha Dong-hwa. One day, he decides to take his girlfriend of three years to meet her parents. During this entire time, Dong-hwa has never had the opportunity to meet her family. Her father unexpectedly invites him to their home, and no one present can guess the consequences of this dinner. The story touches on themes of love, expectations, and unexpected twists of fate, making it engaging and profound.
"What This Nature Tells You" is a new film by South Korean director Hong Sang-soo, one of the most prolific contemporary filmmakers. Each year, he creates one to three films that compete at international film festivals. His previous works have been screened at such significant events as Locarno ("By the Stream"), Cannes ("Our Day"), and Toronto ("Rise Up"). This new film, along with last year's "Traveler's Needs" starring Isabelle Huppert, was presented in competition at the Berlinale. Hong Sang-soo's films consistently attract the attention of critics and audiences thanks to their unique style and deep understanding of human nature.
The story is presented in the director's signature style: a static camera, simple and engaging dialogue, and a significant amount of alcohol at the table, creating an atmosphere for reflection on existence. A simple feast between Sang-soo's quasi-siblings becomes the arena for a clash of different ideologies. Dong-hwa turns out to be a man who values independence and freedom, his life a never-ending search for himself. In contrast, the girl's parents insist that the main purpose of life is money and material goods. Class inequality is hidden under the guise of a pastoral paradise, creating an atmosphere that is simultaneously cheerful and sad.
What is this festival?
"Mirror" is an international film festival that has been held in the Ivanovo region since the late 2000s. Initially, the main screenings were held in picturesque Plyos, but several years ago the festival moved its center to Ivanovo. The opening ceremony is traditionally held in Yuryevets, where the famous director Andrei Tarkovsky once lived. The festival attracts both Russian and international audiences, offering a diverse program of screenings and events dedicated to the art of cinema. The programming of the Zerkalo festival began under the direction of film scholar Sergei Lavrentiev. In the early 2010s, film critic Andrei Plakhov took over the festival with a new team. Since 2024, Sergei Lavrentiev has returned to organizing Zerkalo, teaming up with former Kinotavr programming director Sitora Aliyeva. Over the course of its existence, the festival has hosted numerous renowned guests and jury members, including such celebrities as Krzysztof Zanussi, Kim Dong-ho, Ralph Fiennes, and Theo Angelopoulos. The Zerkalo Festival continues to draw attention to world cinema, bringing together talented professionals and film enthusiasts. Beginning in 2024, the Zerkalo Festival will be managed by Red Carpet Studio, headed by Anton Kalinkin. This team has extensive experience organizing film festivals in Russia, including such events as Pilot in Ivanovo, Koroche in Kaliningrad, and Chitka in Moscow. The Zerkalo Festival is beginning a new era, expanding its horizons not only in film but also in music and architecture. While the festival does not plan to host specific events related to these fields, it will organize out-of-competition programs, including films dedicated to music and architecture. This update aims to attract a wider audience and create a unique cultural experience for visitors.
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Moscow Skyscrapers and Surfing in Kamchatka: Russian Documentary at Beat Film Festival
Documentary presented at Beat Film Festival immerses viewers in the striking contrast between Moscow's modern skyscrapers and Kamchatka's natural beauty, perfect for surfing. The film explores urban and outdoor culture, highlighting the uniqueness of each Russian region. Viewers are given the opportunity to see how megacities and wilderness coexist in the same space, creating compelling stories and images. Through this film, viewers will better understand how Russian culture adapts to modern challenges and maintains a connection with nature.
What's been shown here before
The 19th Zerkalo Festival took place in 2025, having successfully survived the changes in the film industry of the 2000s and 2010s. Each year, the festival showcases a variety of interesting films, forming a rich program. Among the hits of past years, a number of films stand out that have gained wide popularity both in cinemas and on streaming platforms. One striking example is Bong Joon-ho's film "Parasite," which won awards at the Cannes Film Festival and an Oscar. This film was first presented to the Russian audience at the Zerkalo festival in Ivanovo.
Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his Lanthimos, who has produced unique works, continues to collaborate actively with his muse Emma Stone, releasing one film a year. However, in 2012, when Lanthimos was just beginning to gain popularity, his early work, Alps, was shown at the Zerkalo Film Festival. This drama tells the story of a night nurse at a hospital who offers an unusual service. Members of the Alps group, including the main character, for a fee replace the recently deceased during visits by their grieving relatives. They study the habits, speech patterns, and behavior of the deceased, dress in their clothes, and recreate scenes from their lives to help families better cope with the loss. Lanthimos created an existential story about a world in which identity and individuality are lost—now everyone can look and act however they want. Alps raises important questions about life, death, and identity, making it relevant to this day.
The Russian premiere of Justine Triet's drama "Anatomy of a Fall," which won the Palme d'Or at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, took place at the Zerkalo Film Festival. The film is a tense detective story centering on a famous writer accused of murdering her husband. After the film's screening, active discussions about the guilt of the main character flared up, raising important questions about justice and morality.
The "Mirror" competition featured interesting and unusual films. One of them was director Ilya Zimin's coursework, "Father and Son." This low-budget film is a family drama set in the confines of a village house. Local residents gathered at the screening to support their fellow countryman from Ivanovo.
Sergey Kudryavtsev, a Soviet and Russian film scholar, presented his directorial debut at the "Mirror" festival—the drama "And There Will Be a Daughter." The film tells the intricate story of a young woman's search for love and understanding the truth. Kudryavtsev notes that his film is inspired by the work of such masters as Andrei Tarkovsky and Japanese director Yasujiro Ozu. This work combines deep emotional experiences with philosophical reflections, making it interesting for fans of art-house cinema.
What to look out for this year
Bogdan Mureşanu is a talented director known for his unique approaches to film and theater production. His works are distinguished by their depth of plot and original visual style. Mureşanu has earned recognition both nationally and internationally for his ability to convey complex human emotions and social themes. His films and performances often explore current social issues, making them meaningful and resonant with audiences. The director actively uses modern technology and innovative methods in his work, which allows him to remain at the forefront of the industry. Bogdan Mureşanu's work inspires a younger generation of directors and artists, making him a key figure in contemporary art.
This epic tragicomedy, which explores the complexities of political life and social pressures, explores the fall of the Romanian regime. This genre combines elements of tragedy and comedy, allowing for a deeper understanding of the consequences of political change. The plot covers key moments in Romanian history, highlighting the citizens' struggle for freedom and justice. The tragicomedy serves as a mirror, reflecting both the absurdity of power and the people's resilience in times of crisis.
The Best Director award is one of the most prestigious in the world of cinema. It recognizes outstanding achievements in directing, highlighting the skill and creative contribution of professionals who create unique cinematic works. Winning this award testifies to the high level of artistic execution and the director's ability to manage the filmmaking process, from script development to final image processing. The Best Director award not only elevates the winner's status, but also serves as an incentive for other talented directors to strive for new heights in the film industry.
December 1989. Young people openly criticize the regime and dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, while their parents—teachers, doctors, and television workers—meekly follow the authorities' orders. Demonstrations in support of the country's leader are brewing on the streets. At the same time, in the privacy of their homes, people are trying to understand the internal contradictions and fears experienced in an environment of political instability. This period has become a time of profound change and a search for freedom, when young people strive for change, and the older generation faces challenges to their loyalty to the system.
This tragicomedy about the revolution in Romania and the overthrow of the dictator skillfully interweaves personal stories with large-scale historical events. A TV presenter is persuaded to take part in a patriotic New Year's program. The son of a state television editor secretly tries to leave the country, turning to smugglers for help. Meanwhile, a little boy writes a letter to Santa Claus asking him to "kill Uncle Nicolae, because that's what Daddy wants." This film raises important questions about freedom, family, and the sacrifices people are willing to make for change.
Muresanu masterfully balances comedy and tragedy, demonstrating the absurdity of the communist regime and its rules through the lives of six characters. This work is a simultaneously humorous and disturbing reimagining of holiday cinema, in which the creators do not hide their political stance. The film deeply explores the influence of historical circumstances on personal destinies, making it relevant and meaningful for modern audiences.
The film premiered in the Horizons section of the 2024 Venice Film Festival, where it won the Grand Prize. This event confirmed the high praise of Skillbox from both critics and audiences, which underscores its importance in modern cinema.
