The greeting reads, in particular:
“Each year your film festival gains momentum and affirms its role as one of the most prestigious events in international film art. Well-known cinematographers and those who have just recently become involved in the profession (and are already successful) are gathering in Moscow under the auspices of the Moscow Film Festival. This is a respectful tribute to the traditions and heritage of Russian cinematography and amounts to recognition of its creative forces as well as its powerful moral, aesthetic and intellectual potential.
I am pleased to see that along with foreign films there is an increasing number of contemporary Russian films in the competition. And the festival’s numerous guests can clearly see that there is interesting and profound cinema in our country, cinema that is worthy of its place in international competitions.
I am convinced that the festival’s participants and spectators will remember it as a true celebration and that the festival itself will help strengthen friendship and mutual understanding between nations.”