The message reads, in part:
“For more than two decades, this film festival has brought to St Petersburg recognised masters and talented new names from Russia and abroad, and given us the chance to see new directions in global documentary and animation filmmaking. This year’s festival includes special programmes devoted to Italian and Spanish cinema, and for the first time also includes a competition of experimental short films.
I am sure that the Message to Man film festival will continue to make its contribution to developing international cultural cooperation, expand professional exchanges, and open the road for talented young filmmakers to win recognition.”
The Message to Man film festival was founded in December 1988 and first took place in January 1989. Initially, it took place once every two years, but since 1994 became an annual event.