Abu Dhabi, the thriving cultural capital of the UAE, is preparing to roll out the red carpet once again for a unique cinematic celebration—the second edition of the I-Film Festival, scheduled from April 11 to 13, 2025. This global film event, organized by the Innovative Film Academy (IFA), will feature a compelling mix of international cinema with a special spotlight on two insightful documentaries from TV BRICS: “Uralian Anomaly” and “Partitura. Young Music of Russia.”
The festival is set to take place at a venue symbolic of Abu Dhabi’s dedication to arts and cultural dialogue—the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, located in the heart of Saadiyat Island’s creative district. This setting perfectly complements the vision of the I-Film Festival, which seeks to unite filmmakers, media professionals, and cinema enthusiasts from around the world in an exploration of storytelling, technology, and international cooperation.
A Festival with a Purpose
Since its inaugural edition, the I-Film Festival has positioned itself as more than just a platform for screening films. It is a forum for dialogue, learning, and cultural exchange, with each edition designed to reflect the evolving nature of global cinema. This year’s event takes on even greater significance, with its integration of TV BRICS documentaries, highlighting a growing trend of soft diplomacy through media.
The TV BRICS media network, known for its commitment to enhancing cultural cooperation between BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), serves as a key media partner for the 2025 festival. Through its participation, the network brings not only compelling visual stories but also the spirit of transcontinental collaboration to Abu Dhabi’s cinematic stage.
Spotlight on TV BRICS Documentaries
Two powerful documentary films from TV BRICS will be presented during the festival, offering audiences an in-depth look at both the natural richness of Russia’s landscapes and the creative brilliance of its youth.
Uralian Anomaly: A Story Etched in Stone
Directed by Andrey Porshnyak and written by Ksenia Komissarova, Uralian Anomaly delves deep into the life of geologists working in the Ural Mountains, an area historically known for its mineral wealth and mysterious anomalies. The documentary uncovers advanced gold mining technologies, the harsh yet beautiful conditions of the Urals, and the human stories embedded in the rugged terrain.
The film captures not just the science behind resource extraction, but also the emotional resilience of those who live and work in one of the world’s most geologically complex regions. It offers rare footage and interviews, placing viewers at the intersection of environmental exploration and human perseverance. Having already been showcased at the “Rendezvous with Russia. Siberian Character” international film festival, its inclusion in Abu Dhabi marks a Middle Eastern premiere, bringing a new audience into the fold.
Partitura. Young Music of Russia: Harmony and Hope
The second featured documentary, Partitura. Young Music of Russia, turns its lens toward a more artistic realm—music. It documents the III All-Russian Competition of Young Composers “Partitura”, offering an intimate portrait of young musical talent rising across Russia. Directed by Ivan Zakharenko, with script by Elena Pogarskaya, cinematography by Artem Markov, and executive production by Nina Zimakova, the film elegantly captures the journey of gifted youth creating original compositions under the tutelage of renowned mentors.
Premiering on February 28, 2025, the documentary is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, shining a light on the future of classical music and the power of mentorship in shaping the next generation of composers. It’s a visual symphony that resonates far beyond national borders.
A Confluence of Creativity and Dialogue
The I-Film Festival is not just about films—it is also about creating spaces for critical conversations. One of the highlights of this year’s event is a panel discussion titled:
“Media, Education & Talent Development: Embracing Technological Advancement & Future Trends.”
Scheduled for April 12, this panel will bring together international media experts and educators to discuss how the film and television industries can evolve in the face of AI, streaming disruptions, and changing audience behaviors. Among the key speakers is Konstantin Khasanov, TV BRICS International Projects Manager, whose insights into cross-border content creation are expected to add valuable perspectives to the discourse.
By engaging in such discussions, the I-Film Festival underscores its role as an educational and networking platform, providing attendees with insights that go beyond the screen and into the future of the film industry.
TV BRICS: Championing Soft Power Through Cinema
TV BRICS, through its consistent participation in global cultural events like the I-Film Festival, is actively promoting “media diplomacy.” By telling stories that resonate across cultures—whether about geology in the Urals or young musical prodigies—the network aims to build cultural bridges between continents.
Its documentaries are not only cinematic experiences but also tools for social understanding and appreciation of diversity. By working in collaboration with other BRICS member states, TV BRICS has built a robust model of content sharing and co-production, making it one of the few media networks genuinely invested in multilateral cultural outreach.
Abu Dhabi: A Rising Film Capital
Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the I-Film Festival is yet another feather in the cap for a city that has increasingly become a magnet for global creative industries. Over the past decade, the emirate has made major strides in becoming a regional hub for media production, offering world-class facilities, competitive incentives, and a rich cultural backdrop.
From Hollywood blockbusters filmed at iconic locations to homegrown Emirati productions making waves in international circuits, Abu Dhabi’s film ecosystem is thriving. The I-Film Festival fits seamlessly into this narrative, providing a space where local talent and international creators can connect and co-create.
Festival Director Upasana Mittal emphasized the importance of continuity in creating cultural legacies. “The first edition of the I-Film Festival was a resounding success,” she said. “This year, we’re building on that momentum by bringing in more international perspectives, more technological dialogue, and more opportunities for partnership. We believe Abu Dhabi is the perfect city to foster these exchanges.”
More Than a Festival—A Movement
At its core, the I-Film Festival is about storytelling that transcends borders. By choosing to highlight documentaries that explore both science and art, the event makes a clear statement: cinema is a universal language, and when used responsibly, it can inspire, educate, and unite.
From the dramatic landscapes of the Urals to the quiet intensity of a composer’s studio, the TV BRICS documentaries take audiences on powerful journeys. When combined with panel discussions and industry networking, the festival becomes a transformative space—where ideas are exchanged, careers are sparked, and collaborations are born.
As the curtains rise this April in Abu Dhabi, the I-Film Festival promises not just cinematic brilliance but a celebration of international unity through art. Whether you’re a filmmaker, student, industry expert, or simply a lover of good stories, this event offers something invaluable: the chance to witness how creativity continues to shape and connect our world.
In a time when global narratives are more interconnected than ever, Abu Dhabi’s I-Film Festival shines as a beacon of cultural harmony, and this year’s spotlight on TV BRICS ensures the glow is brighter, bolder, and more inspiring than ever before.
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