Moscow Cinema Days has launched a new phase of cultural exchange and cinematic ties between Russia and Thailand, kicking off in Thailand with a festival that underscores the vibrancy of contemporary Russian filmmaking. Backed by Moscow’s Department of Culture, the capital’s Creative Industries Agency, and the Thailand Creative Economy Agency, the opening feature showcases the film The Challenge. This event marks a notable moment in cross-border collaboration, highlighting Moscow’s ongoing commitment to sharing its cinematic voice with international audiences.
For the first time, Russian cinema will receive a broad release across SF Cinema, Thailand’s premier cinema chain. Audiences across the country will have the chance to experience a curated lineup that includes Heart of Parma, Liberea: Treasure Hunters, The Little Humpbacked Horse, and Reversible Reality. In conjunction with the opening screening of The Challenge, industry professionals and movie enthusiasts will participate in an online discussion featuring notable figures connected to the project, including the crew who collaborated on the film at the International Space Station. This conversation will shed light on the creative process and the collaboration that spans ground and orbital perspectives.
Alexey Fursin, a Moscow Government minister and head of the Department of Culture, emphasized Moscow’s rising status as a global hub for cinema and as a key exporter of content. The festival serves as a platform for business exchange, with more than 50 companies from both Russian and Thai film industries taking part in dedicated meetings on January 30. Gulnara Agamova, director of the Moscow Creative Industries Agency, explained that a multilingual online platform has been developed to streamline film production partnerships. The platform makes it easier to find collaborators, secure locations, and connect with actors and crew, including international professionals, thereby simplifying cross-border cooperation in Moscow’s film ecosystem.
Throughout February to April, the Moscow Cinema Days program will be available for viewing in Thai cinemas, broadening access to Russian storytelling and technical craft for local audiences. The festival continues to position Moscow as a dynamic center for film production and distribution, inviting partners from around the world to participate in a shared cultural project that marks a milestone in bilateral artistic exchange.
Historically, other notable Russian works have earned recognition, with Khlebnikov’s painting Bullfinch previously receiving the Grand Prize Golden Eagle, underscoring a tradition of acclaimed creativity that informs current collaborations and inspires future projects across continents.