RusNewsDay reports that SIFFA 2025 took place in London as the 15th edition of the international film forum, bringing together filmmakers and audiences from around the world. The programme featured 39 films selected from 430 submissions, representing fifteen countries. Screenings were accompanied by masterclasses, professional discussions, and meetings with filmmakers, reinforcing the festival’s role as a platform for international cultural exchange. Festival President Luba Balagova-Kandour emphasised that, in a world marked by political and cultural divisions, cinema remains a universal language capable of restoring dialogue and uniting audiences through artistic expression.

UK Russian News reports on the conclusion of the SIFFA 2025 International Film Festival in London. The event brought together filmmakers from around the world and presented 39 films from 13 countries. The festival also hosted masterclasses and professional discussions on film distribution and promotion. The closing ceremony was hosted by actor Oleg Hill and actress Rosemary Lloyd.

AlphaNews reports that the family adventure film Palma 2, produced by Ruben Dishdishyan, won the SIFFA award for Best Family Film. The film continues the story of the loyal dog Palma, who forms an unusual friendship with a bear cub named Mansur as they experience dangerous adventures in the Siberian taiga.

A video report describes the screening of the documentary Amazons by filmmaker Samara Saralpova at SIFFA 2025. The film explores legends of Amazons believed to have lived in the North Caucasus and draws on historical sources and local traditions. The work serves as a tribute to women’s strength and the cultural heritage of the Circassian people.

Another report from Russkiy Mir notes that the filmmakers behind The Postman were unable to attend the SIFFA 2025 awards ceremony due to visa issues. Russian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Andrey Kelin expressed appreciation to the festival organisers for continuing to showcase Russian cinema despite political tensions. He emphasised the cultural importance of international film festivals in maintaining dialogue between countries.

The Russkiy Mir portal reports that the Russian wartime drama The Postman won the Best Feature Film award at the SIFFA International Film Festival in London. The film also received awards for Best Screenplay and Best Actor. The article highlights the festival’s programme dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II, which included several films exploring themes of courage and historical memory.

MK Yakutia reports that the Yakut feature film Legends of Eternal Snow, directed by Alexey Romanov, received two awards at SIFFA 2025 in London. The film was recognised as Best Film on Ethnocultural Heritage, while production designer Dmitry Mestnikov received the award for Best Production Design. The film draws inspiration from a Yakut legend and was filmed in the Oymyakon region.

Sostav reports that the Russian drama The Postman (2025), directed by Andrey Razenkov, won the top prize for Best Feature Film at the SIFFA International Film Festival in London. The awards ceremony took place at Vue Piccadilly Cinema. The film, starring Alexander Petrov as a modest wartime postman, also received awards for Best Screenplay and Best Actor. Festival founder and president Luba Balagova-Kandour noted that the 2025 programme resonated strongly with audiences through films reflecting on the past and celebrating courage and sacrifice, marking the 80th anniversary of Victory and honouring those who defended humanity from fascism.

According to TASS, the Russian drama The Postman by Andrey Razenkov received the festival’s top prize for Best Feature Film at SIFFA 2025 in London. Additional awards were presented to Kazakh director Farkhat Sharipov for Evacuation, British-Indian composer Imran Ahmad for Best Music, and Uzbek filmmaker Eldar Yuldashev for Best Documentary Film. A special SIFFA award for contribution to cinema was presented to British director Martha Fiennes.

Aftershock reports that the Uzbek documentary Taymetov. Herald of Victory received the Best Documentary Film award at the SIFFA International Film Festival in London. The article notes that SIFFA maintains partnerships with international film institutions such as BAFTA, and winning films may be recommended for further nominations. The film highlights the wartime achievements of pilot Abdusamat Taymetov and commemorates the 80th anniversary of Victory.

Uzmetronom highlights the international success of the film Taymetov. Herald of Victory at SIFFA 2025. Director Eldar Yuldashev described inclusion in the festival’s main competition as a major achievement. The film explores the historical legacy of pilot Abdusamat Taymetov and the Li-2 aircraft produced in Tashkent, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical memory connected with World War II.

Gazeta.uz reports that the documentary Taymetov. Herald of Victory, directed by Eldar Yuldashev of Uzbekistan, won the Best Documentary Film award at SIFFA 2025 in London. The film tells the story of Soviet pilot Abdusamat Taymetov, whose crew delivered the Act of Germany’s surrender to Moscow in May 1945. The director emphasized that participation in the SIFFA competition represents an important breakthrough for Uzbek cinema and an opportunity to reach international audiences and industry professionals.

Regnum reports that the Russian drama The Postman (2025), directed by Andrey Razenkov, won Best Feature Film at the 15th SIFFA International Film Festival in London. The awards ceremony took place on 28 November at Vue Piccadilly Cinema, hosted by actors Oleg Hill and Rosemary Lloyd. The film, starring Alexander Petrov as a wartime postman who continues delivering letters despite danger, also received Best Screenplay and Best Actor. Festival founder and president Luba Balagova-Kandour noted that the 2025 programme resonated through films reflecting on the past and honouring courage and sacrifice on the 80th anniversary of Victory. Other winners included Farkhat Sharipov (Evacuation) for Best Director, Natalia Witmer for her role in the same film, Imran Ahmad for the score of Escape (2023), and Eldar Yuldashev for the documentary Taymetov. The Forgotten Hero. A special award for contribution to cinema was presented to Martha Fiennes. The festival, held from 20–27 November, screened nearly 40 films selected from 430 submissions and concluded with Sergei Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin (1925).

Portal Kultura reports that the Russian drama The Postman (2025), directed by Andrey Razenkov, won the Best Feature Film award at the SIFFA International Film Festival in London. The film, starring Alexander Petrov as a modest wartime postman, also received awards for Best Screenplay and Best Actor. The ceremony took place at Vue Piccadilly Cinema. Festival President Luba Balagova-Kandour noted that the 2025 programme highlighted films reflecting courage, sacrifice, and historical memory in connection with the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II.

Ammanyat News reported on the successful closing of SIFFA 2025 in London on 28 November. The article highlights the festival’s 10th anniversary, its international programme, and the introduction of the new Mohy Quandour Cultural Contribution Award, created in memory of the late filmmaker. It also announces SIFFA’s plan to hold a special edition in Jordan in December 2026 in partnership with Hijjawi Production, following the successful 10th anniversary festival in London.

The article announces SIFFA’s plan to hold a special edition in Jordan in December 2026 in partnership with Hijjawi Production, following the successful 10th anniversary festival in London.

AmmanJo reports that the SIFFA International Film Festival has concluded its 2025 edition and will hold a special edition in Jordan in December 2026, in collaboration with the Hijjawi Production and Distribution Company.

TASS reports that the Russian drama The Postman won SIFFA’s Best Feature Film award, along with Best Screenplayand Best Actor, at the closing ceremony in London. The article highlights international winners, including Kazakh director Farhat Sharipov (Best Director) and British-Indian composer Imran Ahmad (Best Music), as well as a special SIFFA award presented to director Martha Fiennes. TASS also notes SIFFA’s tribute to the 80th anniversary of Victory and quotes Festival President Luba Balagova-Kandour on the festival’s mission to “uplift, heal and unite audiences.”

A special article dedicated to the late Mohydeen Kandour, legendary Jordanian cultural figure and co-founder of the festival’s spirit, celebrating his artistic legacy and the creation of the Mohydeen Kandour Award recognising outstanding debut filmmakers. (This article is based on the Arabic-language article published in the Middle East).

An editorial feature exploring the cross-cultural dialogue at the heart of SIFFA 2025 — bringing filmmakers, producers, and artists from East and West together under the theme “Cinema of Higher Values – Beyond Differences, Towards Dialogue.” (This article is based on the Arabic-language article published in Amman).

A detailed press release announcing SIFFA’s 10th anniversary and the upcoming festival dates in London (20–28 November 2025).

This article highlights the festival’s journey since 2016, its international mission, and the establishment of the Mohydeen Kandour Award in 2024. (This article is based on the Arabic-language article published in Jordan)

His Excellency Andrey Kelin, Russian Ambassador to the United Kingdom was the honoured guest at the closing night party of the SIFFA (So Independent International Film Festival) which ran between the 18th and 24th of November. His Excellency spoke of the need for continued cultural ties between the UK and Russia. Guests were treated to sumptuous cocktails and canapés at the Dear Darling Bar of Mayfair whilst being mesmerised by a trio of Georgian folk dancers performing the traditional ‘samaia’ dance. This was followed by a performance  of classical music of three virtuoso musicians who played Cinema Paradiso  by Ennio Morricone and For Una Cabeza by Carlos Gardel.

The Independent International Film Festival (SIFFA) returns to London in 2024, set to launch on November 18th, with an enriched programme dedicated to the late Mohy Quandour. Known for his cross-cultural artistry and storytelling, Quandour’s legacy will echo through this year’s theme, The Bonds That Bind, in honour of his work connecting cultures through cinema. This remarkable tribute will transform renowned London venues into spaces of cultural dialogue, extending until the festival’s culmination on November 24th with a star-studded awards ceremony at Wonderville, London’s West End cultural hub.

The documentary film "Gypsy Billionaire" has recently made headlines by winning the highest accolade at the prestigious SIFFA UK Awards. This recognition highlights the film's impact and excellence in storytelling, resonating with audiences and critics alike...

The SIFFA UK Independent International Film Festival offers an international lineup of screenings and special events, providing British audiences with an unprecedented insight into the creative and inspiring world of cinema...

On April 17 at 7:30 PM, the London theatre Everyman Borough Yards will host a screening of Klim Shipenko’s film Salyut-7. Based on true events, the film tells the story of cosmonauts who must locate an abandoned space station and restart its systems to safely return to Earth. The event is organiSed by the team behind the SIFFA UK Independent International Film Festival..

FIRE is the debut feature film of Kazakh film-maker Aizhan Kassymbek. Lead actor Tolepbergen Baisakalov won Best Actor at the Sochi International Film Festival & Awards (SIFFA). FIRE premiered at the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea before travelling to FilmFestival Cottbus in Germany, the Singapore International Film Festival and the Asian World Film Festival in Los Angeles, where Baisakalov picked up the Snow Leopard for Best Actor...

From February 11 to 20, the international Russian-British film festival SIFFA takes place across various cities in England, featuring screenings of films from Russia and Kazakhstan, masterclasses by filmmakers, musical performances, and exhibitions. SIFFA founder and president Lyubov Balagova-Quandour met with Kommersant UK editor-in-chief Ksenia Dyakova-Tinoco in Cheltenham to discuss the festival’s significance in today’s world...

The 11th Russian-British SIFFA International Film Festival and IRIDA Film Awards will be held in the UK for the fifth time. The 11th Russian-British SIFFA International Film Festival and IRIDA Film Awards will take place from February 11 to 21, 2022, across six UK cities: London, Cambridge, Oxford, Cheltenham, Coventry, and Ramsgate...

Despite publishing 11 poetry books and holding a PhD in Literature, Luba Balagova has chosen to focus on reciting poetry as her primary form of creative expression instead of pursuing a traditional career in poetry. Balagova's decision to study journalism at Moscow State University was driven by her desire to explore literature...

Cheltenham Twinning Association in conjunction with the Sochi International Film Festival and Awards (SIFFA) is delighted to announce its launch event on Friday 10 September at 2:30 pm at Chapel Arts, Knapp Road, Cheltenham, GL50 3QQ. The launch is a precursor to the 6th annual film festival in Sochi, Russia, on 5-10 November 2021; AND the 4th SIFFA UK festival 11-20 February 2022 in London and Cheltenham...

Despite publishing 11 poetry books and holding a PhD in Literature, Luba Balagova has chosen to focus on reciting poetry as her primary form of creative expression instead of pursuing a traditional career in poetry. Balagova's decision to study journalism at Moscow State University was driven by her desire to explore literature...

Oscar-winning producer Stephen Mao (The Skin) at the Russian-British SIFFA Red Carpet Press Conference with SIFFA President Luba Balagova-Kandour and SIFFA Partner Aleksey Antropov on November 6, 2020...

Renowned Russian producer Natalia Ivanova shares her career experiences with SIFFA President Lyubov Balagova, reflecting on the lessons learned over decades of collaboration with the beloved actress and director Vera Glagoleva, along with her memories. She discusses the connection between the tragedies of World War II and the fates of the film's creators...

SIFFA is the largest Russian-British Open film festival in Russia which takes place in the Olympic city of SOCHI, Russia. This is the Sochi International Film Festival and Awards which aims to bring together filmmakers of Britain and Russia and the rest of the world together through the diversity of craft and story-telling...

At Ramsgate IFTVFest 2019 a new partnership was born with the twinning with Sochi International Film Festival & Awards. SIFFA Founder and President was our special guest at the Discussion Panel ‘Women in the Film and TV Industry – The Glass Ceiling’. This new collaboration will give Ramsgate IFTVFest the opportunity to expand its already international reach far beyond the screening of films and events in Thanet, UK...

The founder of the Sochi International Film Festival and Awards (SIFFA) wants to reconnect the people of Russia and the UK through a shared love of film. Luba Balagova Kandour, of Burfield Road, set up the event in 2016 with the aim of building a bridge between independent professional Russian cinema and the British filmmaking community...

Best-selling British Royal biographer and latter-day TV star Lady Colin Campbell is gracing the red carpet for the UK Gala Night of the Sochi International Film Festival and Awards (SIFFA) tonight (21 March2019) in London. Lady Colin is to present a SIFFA Award at the glittering bash in The City of London and will be accompanied by one of her two adopted Russian sons, Dmitri...

The 3rd Sochi International Film Festival and Awards took place from Dec. 11-16th, and it was a glamorous and glittering affair and showcased some amazing films, master classes and culminating in an awards show. Held in the beautiful resort town of Sochi, Russia, right on the Black Sea and at the base of the Caucasus Mountains (and home of the 2014 Winter Olympics), the festival has grown from strength to strength and this year had it’s the biggest year....

Kirill Razlogov, Artistic Director for the Sochi International Film Festival and Awards (SIFFA), will conduct a masterclass on low-budget filmmaking in Russia using the full feature Touch of Wind by producer Anastassia Razlogova as a case study. (SIFFA-2017 Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design)...

Dame Judi Dench has pulled out of making an appearance at a Russian film festival gala due to be held in London. The 83-year-old actor was billed as the star guest for the Sochi International Film Festival which will take place at the Soho hotel. But in the wake of increasing tensions between Britain and Russia, the Oscar-winner told organisers by email she would be unable to attend...

There isn’t much love between the UK and Russia these days, in the wake of the attempted murder of Sergei Skripal and his daughter, but while the war of words continues between the two governments, at a cultural level there is a determination to keep things friendly. So there was a good turn-out — and no embarrassing demonstrations — at the gala UK premiere of Artyom Mikhalkov’s 2016 film, Betting on Love, at the Soho Hotel’s screening room in Soho last night...

Russia is to host the first ever Sochi International Film Festival (SIFF) – an annual event taking place in the Olympic sea resort of Sochi in the Russian Federation, and set to run Dec 10-16, 2016. The new event was announced in Cannes by Russian cinema promoter Roskino. Designed with the ambition of creating a wide British and international audience for Russian film, and vice-versa; the festival is dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the rich filmmaking talent found both in Russia and abroad, and to providing a platform for the sharing of knowledge between peers united together to harness film as a force for good...