
The International Film Festival “WON TOGETHER” is a cultural and artistic platform whose goal is to unite and professionally support documentarians who reflect in their work a current interpretation of the theme of the festival, as well as to preserve the living cinematic space of countries united by a common history. In 2024, the Vladimir Menshov International Film Festival “WON TOGETHER” will be held in Sochi for the nineteenth time. Dates: from 9 to 16 October.
The “WON TOGETHER” festival today is the largest international documentary film festival in Russia. Every year, 150 films from Russia and other countries of the world participate in its program. The festival brings together more than 250 participants and guests, as well as thousands of spectators. Last year their number exceeded 8,000.
The organizers, the Eurasian Academy of Television and Radio and the Eurasian and African Peoples’ Assembly, announce the start of accepting applications for participation in one of 7 competitions:
1. INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
The focus of the International Documentary Film Competition of the festival “WON TOGETHER” is aimed at the theme of victory, not only military-historical, which shaped the idea of the festival from its foundation, but also private victory - psychological, sports, in the economic or cultural spheres. Its spectrum includes stories of achievements, overcoming and the desire to follow humanistic interests in any life conditions and situations, actions and decisions of heroes made “in spite of”. The goal of the competition is to demonstrate a person’s desire to win in the full meaning of the word - not only in the historical aspect, but also actively addressing the present, which is one of the basic principles of documentary cinema.
2. NATIONAL COMPETITION
The National Documentary Film Competition focuses on the best works of Russian directors on contemporary and historical themes, produced in Russia (or with unconditionally predominant Russian participation). Works made in various genres of documentary film are accepted for participation in the National Competition. The topics of the works under consideration are not limited to rigid boundaries, but primarily correspond to the goals and objectives of the festival. Regardless of whether it is a private or public story, special attention is paid to the aesthetic component of the work. Also, one of the most important criteria for selection is the ability of a painting to evoke a high internal and emotional response.
3. INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL FILMS COMPETITION “DIALOGUE OF CULTURES”
International competition of documentaries dedicated to a modern overview of social types, portraits or groups, as well as fiction short films that meet the concept “Based on Real Events” and dedicated to the social interaction of various groups.
4. INTERNATIONAL FILM COMPETITION “HISTORY IN FRAME”
A competition of films on a historical or educational theme, including a scientific component or based on historical newsreels.
5. INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION “OVERCOMING”
A special competition program of films-portraits of people in danger or survivors of traumatic experiences. Films about the restoration and today's life of Novorossiya.
6. INTERNATIONAL FILM SCHOOLS COMPETITION
Competition of students and graduates of film universities (documentary educational, coursework, diploma works and debuts) from different countries of the world. The choice of films is not limited by theme and timing, but corresponds to the goals and objectives of the festival.
7. INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION COMPETITION
The television competition - a competition between studios and television channels - is formed on the basis of documentaries and programs from producing television channels and television studios, submitted by them for selection to the Festival Directorate. The festival accepts programs from television channels or studios, composed of: -television documentaries; -reports; -documentary cycles and series; - portrait sketches; -TV programs (excluding talk shows and entertainment projects)
Applications will be accepted until July 25, 2024.
In addition to competitive screenings, the “WON TOGETHER” festival holds special and non-competitive programs, master classes, lectures, and presentations at art venues and universities in Sochi. A traditional part of the program is a business section dedicated to co-productions of the countries of Russia, the CIS and China. Every year the festival hosts Chinese film and television production studios. The result of the section’s work today is six joint Russian-Chinese documentaries.
Traditionally, after the end of the film festival, the festival film marathon “WON TOGETHER” is held throughout the year in cities of Russia and foreign countries. Films, winners of the festival are shown there. The film festival is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation.
You can apply at: https://clck.ru/3AsvTS
Regulations are on the festival website: https://pobedilivmeste.com