About us

Russian Film Week was founded in 2016 by Filip Perkon (Perkon Productions/3D Line Limited) with a group of volunteers on a non-profit basis. From 2017 the festival is supported by the Russian Ministry of Culture, the British Council and the BFI. RFW is aimed to promote Russian film to international audiences, stimulate European-Russian film production collaboration and build cultural links between Russia and the UK.

The festival screens both Russian and co-produced feature films, shorts, documentary and animated films. Apart from film screenings the programme includes a number of satellite events, such as: Industry Forum, master-classes and workshops by award-winning filmmakers, talks, round table discussions, exhibitions and other business and entertainment events for filmmakers, distributors and audiences from both Russia and Europe.

The festival culminates in the Golden Unicorn Awards ceremony designed to recognise excellence in 12 nominations, including the Best Foreign Film About Russia. The awards ceremony is held in the format of a Charity Gala in support of a chosen charity - in 2016 this was the Podari Zhizn/Gift of Life UK foundation; in 2017 the WWF Save the Amur Tiger Project; in 2018 The Naked Heart Foundation .

Our misson

Facilitate European – Russian collaboration in the realm of film.
Promote Russian film to an international audience.
Empower international production companies to produce and set films in Russia.
Encourage distribution of Russian film in Europe.

Provide access for independent international films to be screened in Russia.
Highlight technological advancement in film.
Stimulate international film-makers to produce Russia-themed titles.

Patrons

BRIAN COX

Brian Cox, CBE, is a Scottish actor best known for appearing in The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, Braveheart, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Troy, Doctor Who. He is an accomplished Shakespearean actor, spending seasons with the RSC and the National Theatre; taught Shakespeare in Russia for the Moscow Art Theatre actors. Nominated for Scottish BAFTA 2016 for Best Actor and for Golden Globe for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film; winner of Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor – Miniseries or a Movie.

RALPH FIENNES

Ralph Fiennes is an English actor, producer (co-produced Onegin) and film director (Coriolanus). A noted Shakespeare interpreter, he first achieved success at the Royal National Theatre. Made his film debut in 1992 as Heathcliff in Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights. Nominated for the Academy and Golden Globe Awards for Schindler’s List and for The English Patient. Known for his roles in major film franchises such as the Harry Potter and James Bond. Studied Russian to perform in the Russian-British-French co-production Two Women. He is a UNICEF UK ambassador.

ALEXEI UCHITEL

Award winning Russian film director, producer and screenwriter. He is the founder of film studio “Rock”. Winner of Nika, Russian Film Academy Award for best feature film in 2000.

VALERY TODOROVSKY

Film Director, screenwriter, Made his name with ‘Country of the Deaf’, 'Hipsters' and the gangster TV series ’Brigada’ which achieved cult status. Nominated for and received awards at a number of prestigious film festivals, such as Cannes, Geneva, Chicago. Winner of Russian awards: Kinotavr, TEFI, Golden Eagle, Nika.

Founder

FILIP PERKON Founder and General Producer

Founder and General Producer The foundation of the Russian Film Week and the Golden Unicorn Awards are rooted in our belief that cultural endeavours build bridges between people and nations. We believe that by creating a international platform for showcasing all Russian themed films we can provide a place for cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. For the second year running, we select the best contemporary films with a Russian theme, whether from Russia or based on Russian literature, events or people, and we showcase these to British audiences all over the UK. On top of screenings, we have carefully curated education, industry and exhibition programmes to provide a full spectre of Russian film culture. The Golden Unicorn Awards that are part of the Russian Film Week, is a unique and independent film competition with an esteemed international jury, made for recognising hidden Russian gems. We aspire to be the most prominent and reputable Russian film festival in the world.

Co-producer

VADIM LOBOV Co-producer | Executive Director of Synergy University

We want as many people as possible, who live not only in Russia, but also in other countries of the world, to see films by Russian directors.

Events such as the Russian Film Week, contribute to strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between peoples, to overcoming social barriers and prejudices.

Synergy University does a lot to support Russian culture abroad. We are happy to give the people of Britain the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the best works of Russian cinematographers within the framework of the Week.

Organising Committee

OLGA KURSKOVA

Executive Producer

Kirill Uvarov

Chief Operating Officer

JULIA KHAMITOVA

Special Event Curator - Casting Forum

Maria Razumova

PR Agent (Russian-speaking Press in UK)

ELENA SLATINA

PR director (Russia)

Elena Leo

PR Agent (International Press, Influencers and outreach)

Natalia Moskaleva

GUA Producer

Dmitrii Petrov

Technical Director

Natalia Sharapova

Volunteer Coordinator

Georgy Molodtsov