The message reads, in part:
“I am pleased to welcome you in the hero-city of Tula, at the opening of the 20th International Military Film Festival named after Yury Ozerov, an outstanding film director and war veteran.
Over the years, your festival has taken a worthy place in the calendar of important events in the cultural and social life of the country. It has found a loyal audience and become a recognised platform, which shows the best films about the Great Patriotic War.
I am convinced that this forum, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Stalingrad, will be remembered by the participants and guests for its interesting and profound creative works, and will help preserve the memory of heroic pages in national history. And, of course, it will promote fruitful professional communication, exchange of experience and strengthening of personal contacts.”