The winners of the IV International Film Festival for Children and Youth “Hero” have been announced!

On May 22, the closing ceremony of the IV International Film Festival for Children and Youth “Hero” took place at the Cinema Park.

The Film Festival was founded by the Ministry of Culture of Krasnoyarsk Region and organized by the Yenisei Kino State Autonomous Cultural Institution.

The celebration began long before the official closing ceremony: guests participated in master classes, took photos in atmospheric photo zones, and enjoyed live music. At the closing ceremony, talented artists and young heroes of the Krasnoyarsk Region helped make the evening even more memorable.

Krasnoyarsk Region Minister of Culture Arkady Zinov thanked the organizers of the International Film Festival:

“Thanks to the “Hero” Film Festival, young viewers were able to see truly kind and inspiring films. The films presented do not just entertain – they help children find their true guidance in life. I sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this event: for their creativity, warmth, and sincere communication. May the festival continue to grow and delight us with new, exciting premieres!”

This year, more than 130 events were held at 17 venues in Krasnoyarsk, Norilsk, Divnogorsk, Uyar, and the village of Kuragino. These included film screenings, creative meetings with film industry professionals, master classes, special programs dedicated to the 400th anniversary of Krasnoyarsk, the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, the 90th anniversary of the Soyuzmultfilm studio and the screenings of the Yenisei Kino Film Festival’s special project, “Yenisei Meridian. To the Front”. The festival drew around 13,000 visitors. The “Hero” program featured 109 films from 27 countries, 59 of which were screened in Russia for the first time. The competition program included 61 of the best feature, animated, and documentary films.

For five days, the Film Festival halls were packed: audiences watched films, applauded, took autographs, and took selfies with the actors and directors. Sincere emotions were the main highlight. Cinema doesn’t just entertain; it unites, inspires, and leaves warm memories in the heart for years to come.

Vladimir Grammatikov, President of the IV International Film Festival for Children and Youth “Hero”, noted the importance of talking about heroism today, not only on the battlefield but also in everyday life:

“I sincerely thank the Film Festival organizers for raising the topic of the hero—where he is and who this modern hero is. The Festival is growing, encompassing more and more countries and film genres. It’s crucial to organize the program and present everything correctly. The Film Festival’s goal is to show that a hero isn’t just someone who fights to protect their family and friends; heroes can be found in everyday life, and the International Film Festival is doing an excellent job of achieving this”.

At the closing ceremony, eight winners were announced for the best full-length and short films, animation, and documentaries, as well as the winner in the “Who’s Your Hero?” category, which recognizes films by filmmakers under 18; the Audience Choice Award; and special diplomas and prizes from the jury, friends, and partners of the Film Festival.

Best Feature Film for Children and Youth – «Buddies and the Heir» (dir. Marcelo Galvao, Brazil, 2026, 86 min., 12+).

Best Short Film for Children and Youth – «Astronomers» (dir. Dmitry Pasichnyuk, Russia, 2025, 14 min., 6+).

Best full-length animation film for children and youth — «Arctic Heroes» (dir. Alexey Zamyslov, Olga Mayborodina, Russia, 2025, 101 min., 6+).

Best Full-Length Animated Film for Children and Youth — «Son» (dir. Zhanna Bekmambetova, Russia, 2025, 20 min., 0+).

Best Documentary Film for Children and Youth – «Nadia, go ahead!» (dir. Anastasia Mulyarova, Belarus, 2025, 30 min., 12+)

Audience Award –«My Grandfather» (dir. Svyatoslav Vlasov, Russia, 2025, 104 min., 12+)

Grand Prix — «The way» The Way (dir. Svetlana Muzychenko, Russia, 2025, 54 min., 12+)

The Special Children’s Category “Who’s Your Hero?” goes to «The New Girl» (dir. Tatiana Marinicheva, Russia, 2025, 8 min., 6+)

The Film Festival jury has decided to award special diplomas to the following films:

«The Turtle» (dir. Maurice Amiryan, Russia, 2024, 25 min., 0+)

«The First Lesson» (dir. Maxim Bobkov, Russia, 2025, 8 min., 6+)

«Finnik 2» (dir. Denis Chernov, Russia, 2025, 87 min., 6+)

«The Birthplace of the Sun» (dir. Denis Chernov, Russia, 2025, 5 min., 0+)

«Leonid Shvartsman. A Tale of a Boy and an Old Town» (dir. Ekaterina Sharomet, Belarus, 2024, 26 min., 6+)

«Feel» (dir. Lilia Dmitrik, Russia, 2024, 53 min., 12+)

Special Jury Diploma – to actor Vsevolod Klimenok for the film “My Grandfather” (dir. Svyatoslav Vlasov, Russia, 2025, 104 min., 12+)

Special Jury Diploma – to actor Grigory Danishevsky for the film “Philip’s Rules” (dir. Roman Kosov, Russia, 2024, 86 min., 6+)

A special jury diploma in the children’s category “Who’s Your Hero?” went to «The Elephant Equation» (dir. Eva Pelepets, Russia, 2025, 7 min., 6+)

A special diploma from the Film Festival’s jury chairman went to actor Yelisey Chuchilin for his film “My Wild Friend” (dir. Anna Kurbatova, Russia, 2024, 99 min., 6+)

A special diploma from the Film Festival’s president went to “Roman Kostomarov: Born Twice” (dir. Mikhail Shchedrinsky, Alexander Dozorets, Russia, 2024, 75 min., 12+)

The Russian Geographical Society’s Special Prize for the documentary films «The path» (dir. Svetlana Muzychenko, Russia, 2025, 54 min., 12+) «A Little Further Beyond the Horizon» (dir. Elena Orlova, Russia, 2025, 71 min., 6+)

The Siberian Institute for Creative Industries Development awarded a Special Prize to«My Grandfather» (dir. Svyatoslav Vlasov, Russia, 2025, 104 min., 12+)

The Special Prize from “Elcity” Company was awarded to — «New Year’s Letter» (dir. Irina Gobozashvili, Russia, 2025, 85 min., 16+)

Letter of thanks for contribution to international cooperation from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Krasnoyarsk Region –«Dreamland» (dir. Mohsen Enayati, Iran, 2025, 84 min., 6+)

Special Prize of the Krasnoyarsk Region Regional Branch of the All-Russian Public-State Movement of Children and Youth “Movement of the First” – «The path» (dir. Svetlana Muzychenko, Russia, 2025, 54 min., 12+)

The “Hero” Film Festival is more than just a screening of exciting film premieres. Participants gain access to a unique program unavailable online, exchange professional experiences, discuss prospects for collaboration, and experience unforgettable cultural experiences.

As per established tradition, the ECHO of the “Hero” International Film Festival begins after the Film Festival. Selected films will be shown free of charge in cinemas throughout the Krasnoyarsk Region until June 30.