The message reads, in part:
“I am delighted to welcome the participants to the official ceremony devoted to the 22nd annual presentation of the Nika film award.
Since its inception, your prestigious creative festival has become an important part of Russia’s cultural life, and this award is now one of the most notable symbols of professional success. For acknowledged film masters the golden Nika is yet another confirmation of their high status, while for talented people just starting out it is an excellent opportunity to make a name for themselves and demonstrate their creative potential.
I am sure that today film fans will see some interesting production work, photography and acting, and, of course, they will discover some new names. I hope that a fresh perspective and innovative aesthetic approaches of Russian filmmakers will be judged on their merits by the prestigious and authoritative jury and be applauded by the audience.”
The Nika award, the most important film award in Russia, the CIS and the Baltic countries, was established in 1987.