Russian director Boris Khlebnikov unveiled his new film Bullfinch as the opening feature of the 45th Moscow International Film Festival, drawing attention from audiences and critics alike. The festival, a longstanding staple of Russia’s cinematic calendar, confirmed the premiere through the festival’s press service.
The festival run for Bullfinch began with a public screening on April 20, followed by a series of showings that continued through April 27. The film’s creators and cast were on hand to discuss its journey from page to screen, with the production drawing significant anticipation ahead of its official release schedule.
Bullfinch centers on a fishing crew aboard the vessel Snegir, placing its characters in the midst of a brutal sea storm. The screenplay, crafted by Boris Khlebnikov in collaboration with Natalia Meshchaninova, draws its thematic core from Georgy Vladimov a classic novel titled Three Minutes of Silence. The adaptation preserves the novel’s tension and moral ambiguities while translating them into a contemporary maritime setting.
Among the film’s principal performers are Alexander Robak, Timofey Tribuntsev, and Makar Khlebnikov, whose performances contribute to the film’s intense atmosphere and emotional gravity. The premiere date for Bullfinch was subsequently announced as June 8, marking the film’s wider release in theatres beyond the festival circuit.
The Moscow International Film Festival, which has taken place in the capital since 1935, remains Russia’s most prominent cinematic event. Its leadership has seen notable figures guiding its direction; since 1999, the festival has been overseen by a leadership that has helped it to maintain an annual cadence. In recent years, Ivans Kudryavtsev has chaired the festival’s selection committee, guiding which titles make it to the festival lineup. The festival’s history reflects a tradition of strong national and international cinema, with a continuing mission to showcase films that resonate across cultures and generations.
During its most recent edition, the festival screened more than 240 films representing around 50 countries, underscoring its role as a major hub for global cinema. Bullfinch joined a diverse program that highlighted storytelling across genres and styles, a testament to the festival’s broad curatorial scope and its commitment to cinematic artistry [MIFF press service].