The festival is organised by ‘Roskino’, also known as the Russian Film Promotion Organisation, with support from the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Embassy of Russia in Thailand. The event forms part of the international “Russian Season” project led by the Russian government, which will take place in Thailand throughout 2026.
According to Russian Culture Minister Olga Lubimova, Russia and Thailand have long been connected by friendship, mutual respect and a shared appreciation for art and creativity. She said Russian cinema has traditionally been warmly received by Thai audiences and described this year’s festival as opening “an exciting new chapter” in cultural dialogue between the two nations.
Roskino CEO Elsa Antonova said screening Russian films in Thailand represents a significant step in expanding cinematic exchange between the two countries. While Russia and Thailand may appear different, she noted they share common values including family bonds, respect for elders, tradition and “belief in goodness” ‒ themes reflected in many of the featured films.
This marks the fourth time the Russian Film Festival has been staged in Thailand.
The festival opened with the sports drama First in Olympus (2025), directed by Artem Mikhalkov, which tells the story of Yuri Tyukalov’s rise to Olympic championship.
Other films in the programme include:
- August Fury (2025), a war drama directed by Nikita Vysotsky and Ilya Lebedev, based on the novel In August 1944 by Vladimir Bogomolov;
- Flight of the Future (2025), a fantasy drama about time travel directed by Yegor Mikhalkov-Konchalovsky;
- Furry Friend 2 (2026), a family comedy directed by Dmitry Dyachenko;
- Pinocchio (2025), directed by Igor Voloshin, based on the classic tale by Alexei Tolstoy;
- Finnick 2 (2025), an animated sequel directed by Denis Chernov.
Several of the featured films ‒ including First in Olympus, August Fury and Furry Friend 2 ‒ were produced with the participation of Gazprom-Media Holding.
Chief executive of Gazprom-Media Holding Alexander Zharov described film as a “universal language of the heart” that transcends borders, adding that the diversity of the festival programme reflects the depth and sincerity of contemporary Russian cinema.
Meanwhile, Svetlana Balanova, CEO of National Media Group, said the film Pinocchio has already secured distribution rights in 53 countries and expressed confidence that its screening in Phuket would further strengthen cultural relations between the two nations.
A highlight of the festival is an exhibition by the Bakhrushin State Central Theatre Museum, presented jointly with Roskino under the ‘Film | Theatre’ project. The exhibition features photographs from the museum’s collection, including images connected to August Fury, and showcases Russia’s tradition of artistic dynasties passed down through generations.
Kristina Trubinnova, Director General of the Bakhrushin Museum, said the exhibition in Thailand marks a new step in promoting Russian theatrical heritage abroad and forms part of a long-term international initiative.
In addition to film screenings, audiences in Phuket have the opportunity to meet members of the creative delegations presenting their projects.
Organisers said the festival forms part of ongoing efforts to build lasting interest in Russian film and cultural content across the Asia-Pacific region. Admission to all screenings is free of charge.