Moscow to Host Tenth International Student Film Contest

Moscow is to play host to the tenth annual student and debut film contest for national St. Anna awards on March 10 to 17.

The event's organizational committee announced film schools from Russia, Commonwealth of Independent States countries, and beyond would participate in contest.

The competition has been launched by Russia's Culture Ministry, Filmmakers' Union, Eastman Kodak Co., and ABA and Interfest studios. One important task for it is to find and support young talents and organize communication among film schools, organizers say.

This year students of 18 film schools from Russia, Armenia, Ukraine, Georgia, the United States, Macedonia and the United Kingdom have entered nearly 100 practice, term, graduation and debut works.

For the first time in the contest's history, two panels will judge the films. One of these is composed of professionals who have worked in the film industry for decades. The other will include past St. Anna award winners.

Awards will involve three nominations: feature films, non-feature films and animation. Within the non-feature film nomination, a special prize will be awarded for photography.

The festival will also involve contest and public information film screenings, master classes with leading teachers and moviemakers, discussions and creative type gatherings.