Alania Film Festival: call the entries

The Alania International Festival of Authentic Film and Animation is a new independent event launching in Vladikavkaz, Russia, in September 2025.

The festival focuses on cinema rooted in historical and cultural context, showcasing both contemporary and classic films from around the world that highlight diverse cultures and affirm the value of human life. Its mission is to bridge communities and foster a cinematic dialogue with the wider world.
 

Screenings will take place at key venues across the city, including the historic Pathé Cinema (opened in 1907) and Kosta Khetagurov Park, the oldest park in the Caucasus. The jury will be chaired by Ossetian filmmaker Aslan Galazov. The festival is supported by the city of Vladikavkaz, Seance Publishing, and Melnitsa Animation Studio.

Competition Program - is the program you can submit your film to Independent films by emerging filmmakers, contending for the main award and prizes across several categories.

International Program (In collaboration with Seance publishing house)

A curated selection of international films from different decades, all sharing a premise. These works offer local perspectives on how people see and understand the world – both in contemporary cinema and in films of the past century.

Special Program

Screenings of culture defining films that were previously only shown in limited release. A rare opportunity – on a big screen.

Animation Program

Fairy tales, myths, and folk stories – animated heritage in both short and feature-length films. Screenings will take place in Kosta Khetagurov Park for viewers of all ages.

Educational Program

Lectures, workshops, and discussions with filmmakers and critics — a chance to dive deeper into the world of the cinema industry.

Exhibition of Works by Alan Kalmanov

An exhibition of select works by Alan Kalmanov – an acclaimed Ossetian painter.

Seance Publishing Book Market

A book fair from Seance Publishing – a unique chance to browse and buy the latest titles throughout all three days of the festival.

Awards & Prizes:

Best feature-length film – “Narts’ Apple” statuette + cash prize.
Best short film – “Narts’ Apple” statuette + cash prize.
Best director's work - “Narts' Apple” statuette + cash prize.
Best premise – “Narts’ Apple” statuette
Diplomas for all participants.
The cash prize fund is determined by the Festival Organising Committee and bound to the funding of the Festival.

Rules & Terms:

"Alania" Festival 
September 26-28, 2025, Vladikavkaz, Republic of North Ossetia-Alania

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.1. Organiser : North Ossetian regional branch of the Russia-wide public organisation "Russian Folklore Union" . The festival is held with the support of the Vladikavkaz City Administration.
1.2. Objectives :
Support emerging filmmakers (debutants) from North Ossetia-Alania, as well as other regions of Russia and the world.
Promote original cinematic language and cultural diversity.
Create a platform for dialogue between filmmakers and the audiences.

2. FESTIVAL PROGRAMS

2.1. Competition program
Categories :
Short (up to 30 min) and full-length (from 60 min) feature films, documentaries and animation.
Priority : debut works (first or second - only for feature films).
Requirements :
All films must be completed after January 1, 2023. The production date is determined by the copyright on the film or video print.
Language: All films with dialogue require English or Russian subtitles if the original language of the film is not Russian.
Premiere status: not required. 
Films must comply with the current Russian legislation and not contain legally prohibited content. (In case if a film contains minor scenes with prohibited content, the organiser will query the right holder to cut problematic scenes or blur problematic objects - only if it will not damage the film's integrity.)

3. ENTRY REGULATIONS
3.1. Submission of applications :
Final Deadline : September 5, 2025
Platforms : FilmFreeway and official website
3.2. Required materials:
Online screener (FilmFreeway/Vimeo/YouTube with password) with English subtitles
Synopsis (English)
Director's statement and bio, stills, poster.
For selected films: unencrypted DCP, 2K/jpeg2000/mxf, 24/25 fps (frames per second)

4. JURY AND AWARDS
4.1. Jury committee:
Russian and international experts (directors, actors, film critics, screenwriters)
Associates of the competing works are not allowed in the committee.
4.2. Nominations and prizes :
Best feature-length film – “Narts’ Apple” statuette + cash prize.
Best short film – “Narts’ Apple” statuette + cash prize.
Best director's work - “Narts' Apple” statuette + cash prize.
Best premise – “Narts’ Apple” statuette
Diplomas for all participants.
The cash prize fund is determined by the Festival Organising Committee and bound to the funding of the Festival.

5. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
5.1. Video format :
Preferred : DCP.
Alternative : HD 1080 (Apple ProRes 422 HQ, H.264).

5.2. Subtitles :
For all films - English or Russian subtitles (as a separate file).

6. LOGISTICS AND HOSPITALITY
6.1. Accommodation and travel :
The organising committee makes decisions on inviting guests, the terms and conditions of their stay and their accreditation at the festival.

6.2. Visa for foreign guests :
An invitation for a visa is sent upon request.

7. COPYRIGHT AND USE OF FILMS
7.1. Screenings :
Films are shown no more than 2 times during the festival. The festival organisation committee obliges to protect the copyright of the participants.

7.2. Promotion :
The organizing committee may use fragments (up to 3 minutes), descriptions of films, information about the team, posters and frames from the film to promote the festival on the official festival websites.

8. RESPONSIBILITY

The applicant guarantees the accuracy of the provided information. By entering the film, they confirm that all connected rights for the film are already secured or in the process of being secured. FILMS MUST COMPLY WITH THE CURRENT RUSSIAN LEGISLATION AND NOT CONTAIN LEGALLY PROHIBITED CONTENT. For specific cases, the organiser may reach out to the rights holder with a query to cut some scenes to meet legal requirements - only if this will not damage the film's integrity. Once participation in the Festival is confirmed, the film cannot be withdrawn. Applicants acknowledge that the Festival reserves the right to reorder or cancel the screenings and events if required by concerns of public health, welfare, or if requested by the local, state or federal authorities. In such cases, refunds are not available.

9. CONTACTS
Official website : https://alaniafilmfestival.ru/ 

Email : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

10. CONFIRMATION OF PARTICIPATION
Participation in the festival implies full agreement with the terms of the regulations. All compliance issues are regulated in accordance with the international practice of film festivals.