The “Hero” Film Festival Kicks Off in Krasnoyarsk

Magic of Cinema for Young Audiences: The “Hero” Film Festival Kicks Off in Krasnoyarsk.

On May 18, the opening ceremony of the IV International Film Festival for Children and Youth “Hero”, a vibrant cultural event in the Krasnoyarsk Region, 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.

Krasnoyarsk Region Minister of Culture Arkady Zinov emphasized the importance of such events for Krasnoyarsk:
“Cinematography for children and youth fulfills a special mission: it helps the younger generation develop positive life goals. The Hero Film Festival is an important platform where film industry professionals exchange experiences to create new film projects that will speak to young people about important life values”

The event began with a packed entertainment program: before the official ceremony, guests and festival participants were able to participate in exciting film masterclasses, take part in a cinema quiz, and visit themed photo zones. A red carpet greeted guests at the entrance to the cinema, allowing everyone to feel like a true movie star and take memorable photos against the backdrop of the festival banner. Pleasant live music performed by Krasnoyarsk musicians added to the atmosphere.

Interactive events will be available to visitors throughout the five days of the Film Festival—guests will be able to meet animators, participate in new master classes, and take vibrant photos before film screenings.

The opening ceremony featured members of the Krasnoyarsk Region Government, deputies of the Legislative Assembly, administration of Krasnoyarsk Region, the jury, honored guests, and participants included representatives of the competing films and invited artists from the city and region.

The opening ceremony of the Film Festival started with the performance of the Russian National Anthem—a symbol of the unity and greatness of our country. The audience then enjoyed a series of vibrant performances by talented Krasnoyarsk residents, such as “Magnificent Country” by Honored Artist of the Krasnoyarsk Region Andrei Lugovskoy, international competition laureate Yan Komrakov, and the “Dolce” Ballet Show, “Happiness” by Alexei Orlov and the “Etti Deti” Children’s Theater of Contemporary Art (Artistic Director Elena Bedrina), and the song “One Hundred Roads” (from the film “Little Muck”) performed by the Model Children’s Opera Studio of the Krasnoyarsk State Opera and Ballet Theater named after D.A. Hvorostovsky (Studio Director Natalia Tsyupa).

The evening’s highlight was the opening film of the Film Festival, Svyatoslav Vlasov’s family drama “My Grandfather” (Russia, 2025, 104 min., 12+).

The movie was shot entirely in the Krasnoyarsk Region. The footage features well-known and beloved natural landscapes: the Krasnoyarsk National Park Stolby, a farmstead in the Berezovsky District, the village of Mina, the banks of the Mana River, and the environs of Divnogorsk and the Yemelyanovsky District.

The film’s producer is Yegor Shorokhov, a native of Igarka in the Krasnoyarsk Region who previously worked on such projects as “Smart Masha”, “The Disobedient One”, “Undercover Standup”, and others.

This is a touching story about the power of love, trust, and support. The film shows how these values help overcome any challenge, from the harsh trials of the taiga to the struggle with inner fears. The film was produced with the support of the Russian Federation Ministry of Culture and the Krasnoyarsk Region Film Commission.

Directed by Svyatoslav Vlasov, “My Grandfather” won three awards in the main feature film competition at the Listapad International Film Festival in Minsk in November 2025.

The film was introduced by the young actor, who brilliantly plaed the lead role - Vsevolod Klimenok.

The Film Festival program can be viewed at the following link: geroyfilm.ru/raspisanie/

Don’t miss the chance to see premiere films from around the world—and cast your vote for the best film!

Photographer: Vladislav Bordushko / “Yenisei Kino”, Vyacheskav Shishkin / "Yenisei Kino"