Awards Ceremony 2025
Awards Ceremony of the Russian Film Festival South Africa International celebrated powerful stories that crossed borders, from the vast steppes of Kazakhstan to the streets of France and the colours of India. This year’s winners captured hearts with honest performances, striking direction, and screenplays rooted in truth. READ MORE
AWARDS 2025
Best Film
Steppe by Maxim Akbarov
Best Short Film
The Boy Who Cheated Death by Pipou Phuong Nguyen
Best Documentary
Made in Paradise by Aniruddha Das
Best Screenplay
The Little Prince by Amar Khati
Best Actor
Steppe featuring Dauren Sergazin
Best Actress
Visible Voices featuring Valeriya Ermoshina
Best Director
Steppe by Maxim Akbarov
OPENING CEREMONY 7 MARCH 2025
The Russian Film Festival South Africa opened on 7 March 2025 with a glamorous ceremony. It was held at the Radisson Collection Hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
As Cape Town’s summer eased into a golden March evening, guests gathered for a sophisticated celebration of international cinema. The evening showcased all the finalists. Steppe was proudly selected as a finalist in the Feature Film category.
AWARDS CEREMONY 15 MARCH 2025
The Russian Film Festival South Africa concluded on 15 March 2025 with a full day of international film screenings. As sunset bathed Cape Town in golden light, guests gathered at the Radisson Collection Hotel for the Awards Ceremony. With sweeping views of the Atlantic, the evening featured the jury announcement and the reveal of this year’s Festival Award winners
Meet Michael Neil, Performer at the Awards Ceremony
Michael Niel was the talented singer who performed at the Awards Ceremony of the Russian Film Festival South Africa International. His captivating voice added a memorable touch to the celebration, making the evening even more special.
“The artist is always a servant, and is perpetually trying to pay for the gift that has been given to him as if by miracle.”
– Andrei Tarkovsky
The next season of the Russian Film Festival South Africa International promises even more powerful stories and cinematic voices in Cape Town. We’re excited to announce that full details will be revealed in August 2025. As the festival continues to grow, we remain committed to connecting global filmmakers with local audiences.
