First International Festival of Archival Films for Children and Youth Announced

The First International Festival of Archival Films for Children and Youth (IYAFF) will take place from 23 to 30 August 2026 at Moscow’s Illusion Cinema. The festival is organized by Gosfilmofond of Russia as part of its efforts to create a cultural environment that introduces younger generations to outstanding examples of cinema heritage.

The festival is the first archival film event in Russia specifically designed for children, teenagers and family audiences. Its programme aims to familiarize young viewers with classic films and animated works while promoting cultural heritage, historical memory and traditional values through cinema.

During the Soviet era, films for children were among the country’s creative priorities. Many of the most talented directors, cinematographers and animators worked on productions for young audiences. The films created during that period introduced generations of viewers to stories about friendship, honesty, courage, kindness and responsibility. Many of these works have since become an important part of Russia’s cultural legacy.

Thanks to the ongoing restoration and digitization efforts of Gosfilmofond, audiences will be able to see many classic animated and live-action films in high-quality modern formats.

The festival programme is divided into four thematic sections.

The first section, “Animation of the CIS Countries,” is aimed at younger school-age audiences and focuses on stories about friendship, family, kindness, mutual support and respect. The programme includes Russian animated classics, restored archival films and animation from other CIS countries. Among the titles selected for screening are Rain Dog (1983, directed by L. Babakhanov), The Brave Shepherd (1986, directed by M. Mansurkhodzhayev), The Patterned Fairy Tale (1981, directed by V. Belov), The Firefly and the Dewdrop (1978, directed by Y. Butyrin), and The Legend of Lake Parvana (1971, directed by V. Podpomogov).

The second programme section, “Ages 12 and Up,” is intended for older audiences. It includes Russian and international archival feature films about adolescence, personal growth and finding one’s place in society. Among the featured films are classics from the golden collection of Russian cinema, including Boys by Dinara Asanova, My Friend Kolka! by Alexander Mitta, and The Car, the Violin and the Blot Dog by Rolan Bykov. Director Vladimir Grammatikov, a special guest of the festival, will present his film Mustached Nanny, which he personally helped restore. The programme also includes films dedicated to the heroism of young people during the Second World War.

The third section, “Humanity and Nature,” brings together feature and documentary films from the Gosfilmofond collection exploring the relationship between people and the natural world. Featured titles include The Path of Selfless Love (1971), The Lynx Takes to the Trail (1982), The Lynx Follows the Track (1994), Living Desert (1953) and The Fabulous World of Jules Verne director Karel Zeman’s An Extraordinary Voyage (1955).

The fourth programme, “Filmstrips,” will revive the classic filmstrip format for contemporary audiences. During special screenings, stories presented through illustrated film frames and text will be performed live by students of the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS), a festival partner. Among the featured titles are The Absent-Minded Man by Samuil Marshak, Uncle Styopa by Sergey Mikhalkov, Dream Workshop by Gennady Ball, Moomin and the Magician’s Hat by Tove Jansson, and Poor Robot Genasha by N. Maksimenko.

Throughout the festival, young visitors will also have the opportunity to take part in the creation of the festival’s official mascot, Konyok.

All screenings and festival events will be free of charge with prior registration through the festival’s official website.