The 14th independent documentary film festival in New York – RUSDOCFILMFEST – has concluded. Over 30 films were screened as part of the Free World, Eternal Values, and Fresh Look programs. The films were made with support from independent studios and producers from eight countries. The festival was held at the Online Theater and at the SVA MFA Social Documentary Film Theater in Manhattan.
The Online Theater and Internet promotion attracted 25,000 people in 10 countries to the festival activities and screenings. Viewers were of all ages, nationalities, and races, different political views, and social backgrounds.
It was especially important for the festival to return to Manhattan theaters; we are helping to revive our city after almost two years of the pandemic, to help the city start with a new breath of fresh creativity.
The goal of any film festival is genuine contact among people who share the same professional and cultural interests, and the same love – a love for cinema. We certainly felt this in the Mayor’s Greeting – words of gratitude to the festival organizers. Thanks to your energy, with your enthusiasm and hard work we will restore New York as the cultural capital of the world, as a center of the best achievements of our civilization.
We accomplished our goals, we fulfilled our tasks – with support from all of our U.S.-based sponsors and volunteers from the multi-ethnic Russian-speaking diaspora and, of course, our loyal viewers. We say again and again: THANK YOU!
We’d especially like to thank the festival jury that labored behind the curtains – watching and evaluating all the films.
Until next year, festival viewers!
Until next year, New York!
