On November 21, the Karo Oktyabr movie theater in Moscow hosted the closing ceremony of the XI International Film Festival, “Cinema without Barriers,” dedicated to those living with disabilities, The film festival was organized by the Regional Public Organization for the Disabled “Perspektiva,” and went from 18-21 November, with the main film screenings taking place in the theater of the Central Children’s Store.
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During the closing ceremony, the winners in 17 nominating categories were announced, as well as 2 special prize winners. Nominees included both Russian and foreign films. The winners received a commemorative statuette “Cinema without Barriers,” as well as prizes from sponsors and partners of the event.
The main goals of “Cinema without Barriers” is to shatter stereotypes about the disabled, to teach acceptance of physical diversity, compassion, and sympathy for the disabled. The event brought together more than 3000 active participants—with and without disabilities—from many countries around the world, including Japan, Argentina, Spain, Kazakhstan, and many others besides. A special guest at the event was H.S.H. Princess Victoria Romanovna, spouse of H.I.H. The Grand Duke George of Russia.
Presenting the award in the category “Most Life-Affirming Film,” Her Serene Highness said,” I am delighted to be here today! These films are incredible; they are simply magical. Each film makes us dream and believe. They give hope to people all across the world. And, of course, they especially now sustain us as we live through difficult times.”
The event was hosted by TV presenter and fashion historian Alexander Vasiliev and theater and film actress Anastasia Denisova. In addition to the awards, the audience enjoyed a festive concert with performances from the Center for Creative Arts of the Moscow State Technical University (formerly the Imperial Technical Institute), a ballet performance by A. Samoilova, performances by members of the theater NEdoSLOV (or “Theater of Deaf Actors”), the theater “Krug 2,” by Oleg and Natalia Butman, and bass guitarist Alexei Zavolokin.