Samara Film Festival Celebrates Global Cinema with BRICS+ Showcase

Moscow: The Russian city of Samara has become a hub for cultural exchange as the 18th International Film Festival Salt of the Earth opened on September 16, bringing together filmmakers and audiences from across the world. Running through September 20, this year’s edition places a spotlight on BRICS+ cinema, thanks to a special program curated by the TV BRICS International Media Network.

The initiative introduces festivalgoers to films from Nigeria, India, Brazil, Russia, and Iran, offering fresh perspectives on heritage, tradition, and contemporary life. A highlight of the collaboration is a dedicated day of screenings for school and grammar school students, aimed at inspiring the next generation through global storytelling.

Among the featured works is Discovering Ofala (2023) by Nigerian director Tochukwu Nwaiwu, a documentary exploring the Igwe chieftaincy ceremony. India is represented by Vijay Bhaskaran’s Therukoothu (2025), which revives the dynamic tradition of South Indian street theatre. From Brazil, Kellen Casara’s Mergulho (2020) shines a light on Paralympic athletes, while Written Heritage (2024), a Russian-Iranian co-production directed by Emir Valinezhad, delves into Islamic manuscripts and the history of art and science.

Festival President Maria Serkova praised the BRICS+ program for enriching the event’s international scope. “These screenings not only introduce audiences to diverse cultures but also spotlight documentaries addressing important social and humanitarian issues,” she said.

Competition at this year’s festival is particularly strong, with more than 500 entries received. Of these, 50 documentaries were selected to compete in five categories: Here and Now, Times Are Not Chosen, Russian Cathedral, Honour Thy Father and Thy Mother, and Quo Vadis? In total, 72 films will be screened during the festival.

Beyond the film program, attendees can take part in creative meetings, thematic discussions, and celebratory events, including the opening gala and awards ceremony.

Founded by the Volga Historical and Cultural Foundation with the support of regional and city authorities, Salt of the Earth remains dedicated to uniting filmmakers around universal human values while strengthening international cultural ties.