The message reads, in part:
”Having started a quarter of a century ago in Vyborg, your project has successfully proved its creative significance. Each year, this ancient and beautiful city welcomes members of the national art community, cinema experts, journalists and film enthusiasts. The forum has become a popular platform for discussing professional issues and launching challenging and unconventional artistic experiments necessary for the successful development of cinema art.
It is pleasing that the festival constantly expands its geography and replenishes its programme while at the same time preserving its traditions and informal atmosphere. This year's competition programme is a clear testimony to this.“
The festival, which is taking place in Vyborg, Leningrad Region, on August 6–12, will feature some 130 documentary, animation and feature films.