Budem Zhit (Московский международный фестиваль мотивационного кино «Будем жить»)

Budem Zhit

Московский международный фестиваль мотивационного кино «Будем жить»

Also known as: Московский фестиваль российского кино «Будем жить!», Московский международный кинофестиваль «Будем жить», Будем жить!
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Budem Zhit focuses on motivational cinema about resilience, overcoming difficulties, inner freedom and faith in the future. Based in Moscow, it presents Russian and international films through competitions for fiction features, fiction shorts and documentaries. Noncompetitive screenings also include animation, while masterclasses, creative meetings and a professional programme complement the screenings.

Founded in 2011 by the Union of Cinematographers of Russia as a showcase for young filmmakers, the festival has held international status since 2021. The 15th edition runs from 17 to 24 October 2026 across Moscow, with screenings at Moskino cinemas and its closing ceremony at the Oktyabr cinema.

Country

Russian Federation

Focus

Animation, Documentary

Categories

Animation, Documentary, Feature, Short

Awards and prizes

The 2026 juries award statuettes for Best Fiction Feature, Best Fiction Short and Best Documentary. Diplomas recognise Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor and Best Actress in fiction cinema. Jury members and festival partners may also award special prizes and diplomas.

Festival rules

2026 regulations Russian and international films completed in 2025–2026 are eligible. The competitions cover fiction features longer than 60 minutes, fiction shorts up to 30 minutes, and documentaries. Russian films require a Russian distribution certificate by the time of the festival. Priority goes to films without previous television broadcasts or free online availability. The submission deadline is 1 September 2026, inclusive. Russian productions apply through Script Moviestart and provide a private Yandex Disk or Rutube screener valid through the festival. International productions apply through FilmFreeway. Submission is free for Russian productions; the international submission fee is USD 10. Selected films provide a synopsis, publicity and press materials, a trailer and catalogue materials. Screening copies are due by 1 October 2026: fiction features in DCP; fiction shorts and documentaries in MP4, MOV or AVI. Encrypted DCP keys cover the whole festival. Russian-language originals require English subtitles; other languages require Russian subtitles. The directorate determines the screening order. The organisers may use photographs and film excerpts of up to three minutes for festival publicity. They do not cover participants’ travel, accommodation or meals. Participation constitutes acceptance of the regulations, with the Russian text governing disputes.

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