Abrek Zaur
Opening Film
The legendary Ossetian film Abrek Zaur by Boris Mikhin returns to the big screen. This year, the film celebrates its 100th anniversary. For its exclusive festival screening, a new original score has been specially composed by maestro Atsamaz Makoev, a native of North Ossetia.
International Competition
Competition Programme
The newest Russian and international films, both fiction and documentary, feature-length and short, brought together by a shared foundation: authentic stories at the heart of every narrative.
North Caucasus Competition
Competition Programme
A local perspective on something greater—the world, society, and the human condition. A competition showcasing outstanding films by talented filmmakers from the North Caucasus.
Phantasmes International Experimental Film Competition
Competition Programme
Looking inward with a sharp gaze, looking outward through bold cinematic form. A programme of independent films by emerging filmmakers from around the world—works in search of authenticity and a fresh cinematic voice.
Programme "The Law of the Mountains, the Law of History"
Out-of-Competition Programme
A celebration of films that have become enduring landmarks in cinema history. Most of the programme is dedicated to works marking their centenary in 2026—classic films that continue to reveal new meanings for contemporary audiences.
Special Screenings
Out-of-Competition Programme
Exclusive screenings of films by two members of this year’s Alania jury—Yorgos Goussis and Zeki Demirkubuz. A rare opportunity to experience acclaimed auteur cinema from Greece and Türkiye on the big screen, followed by in-person conversations with the filmmakers.
Terra Incognita Programme
Out-of-Competition Programme
A programme dedicated to women filmmakers. Thoughtful, unhurried, and distinctly contemporary cinema, presented in collaboration with K24 Distribution. Three films—three bold experiments that showcase some of the most exciting directions in recent Russian cinema.
Retrospective Programme "The Spirit of the City"
Out-of-Competition Programme
Classic films from the 1920s and 1930s, city symphonies presented in collaboration with Gosfilmofond of Russia. Every place has its own rhythm, pulse, and voice. The programme concludes with a contemporary reimagining of the avant-garde genre—the St. Petersburg anthology Pale Wind.
New Yakut Cinema Programme: "I Dreamed I Was Snow"
Out-of-Competition Programme
An evening programme showcasing the finest Yakut films of recent years. From Academy Award–nominated documentaries to chilling horror films that will send shivers down your spine.
Animation Programme "Window into Dreams"
Out-of-Competition Programme
A celebration of animated classics alongside outstanding new feature-length and short films. Auteur animation from around the world—for grown-up children and childlike adults.
The Temperature of the Universe
Closing Film
Nestled deep in the Caucasus Mountains lies the remote astronomical settlement of Nizhny Arkhyz. Sergey arrives at the invitation of Natasha, the wife of his childhood friend, who hopes to surprise her husband on his birthday. But an unexpected phone call from Moscow changes everything: the birthday man says he is never coming back.
Lectures & Masterclasses
Educational Programme
Lectures and masterclasses exploring the history, theory, and craft of cinema. The festival brings together leading film scholars alongside a new generation of talented speakers for its educational programme. Please note that some sessions will be held online via live video link.
Book Market
This year, we are expanding our festival book market. Joining Seance Publishing, a longtime favourite among our guests, is the independent bookstore Poryadok Slov.