The President noted in his telegram that the Zerkalo festival “is bringing masters of cinema from Russia and abroad together in Ivanovo Region for the fifth time now, and offering audiences a vivid and rich programme.”
Mr Medvedev’s message also said:
“The festival’s organisers have paid particular attention to debut directors this year, many of whom are still students. This support from well-known directors and actors is important for helping to develop young people’s creative talents.
This year’s event will also see the opening of the Andrei Tarkovsky Cultural Centre. The centre’s educational work will play a part in spreading the great director’s legacy and be an indisputable help in drawing viewers towards profound and meaningful cinematic works.”
The Zerkalo [Mirror] International Film Festival was named after Andrei Tarkovsky (1932–1986) and has taken place in his native Ivanovo Region every year since 2007. Over this time its participants have included prominent directors and actors from Russia, the USA, Britain, France, Greece, Poland, Korea, Croatia, Romania, Slovenia, Iran, Iceland, Finland, Italy, Tajikistan, Georgia, and other countries.
The 5th festival will take place on May 23–29, 2011, in Ivanovo and other towns in the region.