The International Film Festival “Example of Toning” made its debut in early June, running from the first through the fourth day in St. Petersburg. This festival is shaping up to become a noteworthy event on the northern festival calendar, drawing attention from cinephiles and industry professionals across Russia and beyond. The organizers emphasize a program that blends bold new voices with established names, creating a dynamic showcase of contemporary cinema that reflects the evolving tastes of audiences in Canada, the United States, and the broader international community. As reported in the Russian newspaper, the festival is positioned to become a focal point for cultural exchange, inviting viewers to experience a mix of fresh storytelling, cinematic experimentation, and thoughtful reflection on current global themes.
In the Sevcable Port area, the festival presents a diverse slate of premieres by both Russian and foreign directors. The lineup includes My Crime by François Ozon, A Tale by Alexander Sokurov, No Copenhagen by Martin Skovbjerg, Cage Looking for a Bird by Malika Musaeva, Bullfinch by Boris Khlebnikov, One Little Night Secret by Natalia Meshchaninova, Gods of Mexico by Helmut Dosantos, House of Pleasure by Anissa Bonnfon, Revival 69: Return of the Legend by Ron Chapman, and Heritage by Roman Mihaylov. The breadth of titles highlights a broad range of genres and styles, from intense character studies to experimental takes on genre conventions, ensuring a rich viewing experience for festival-goers and scholars alike. The Sevcable Port site itself offers a unique backdrop that complements the cinematic atmosphere, inviting audiences to linger after screenings for conversations with filmmakers and fellow attendees, a hallmark that many international festivals strive to achieve and that the organizers intend to cultivate in this edition.
Several of the program’s films are slated for later wide releases, expanding the festival’s impact beyond the city walls. My Crime is planned for a broader audience release on June 22, Bullfinch on June 8, and No Copenhagen on June 15, giving viewers who cannot attend the festival a chance to engage with these titles soon after their premieres. This strategy mirrors a growing trend in modern cinema where festival buzz translates into wider distribution, helping new and established filmmakers reach Canadian and American markets where audiences are eagerly seeking inventive storytelling and diverse voices. The festival thus serves not only as a screening platform but also as a critical bridge to wider circulation, allowing films to find new homes and audiences across North America.
Sevkabel Port collaborates with the non-profit film support foundation founded by Alexander Sokurov, known for its commitment to nurturing bold, independent filmmaking. The partnership with An Example of Tonation aims to foster artistic experimentation and provide resources for directors and teams to bring challenging visions to life, while also strengthening the festival’s capacity to present an international array of works. This collaboration underscores a shared mission: to cultivate a vibrant film culture that supports creative risk-taking, facilitates cross-border dialogue, and connects audiences with stories that illuminate contemporary life from multiple perspectives. The festival’s alignment with Sokurov’s foundation signals a serious investment in sustaining cinema as a space for reflection, dialogue, and discovery on both sides of the Atlantic.
Previously, Russian cinema has participated in the Shanghai Film Festival competition, a fact that situates the current event within a broader circuit of international screenings and recognitions. The ongoing presence of Russian productions at major global showcases highlights a tradition of cross-cultural collaboration and a commitment to presenting high-caliber work to diverse audiences. For viewers in Canada and the United States, this festival offers a rare opportunity to encounter a curated selection of contemporary Russian and international cinema in one venue, along with the chance to engage with filmmakers, critics, and peers who share a passion for the art of filmmaking and its power to spark conversation across borders.