The message reads, in part:
“Your creative forum timed to coincide with the day when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted has a special place in the cultural life of Russia.
By lending its platforms to talented film directors, actors and screenwriters and showing audiences high quality, modern films, the festival fulfils an important mission and promotes humanistic ideals and values as well as civic identity.
And, of course, it gives its participants an excellent chance for professional and friendly dialogue and discussion of their joint plans and projects.
I am certain that this forum will be held at a high artistic level and will be long remembered for its intense programme and outstanding works by cinema masters.”