The opening ceremony of the XXII Kazan International Film Festival "Altyn Minbar" took place in Kazan. The event was attended by the Chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation and President of the Film Festival, Grand Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin.

Addressing the participants and guests, the President of the Film Festival noted that for many years "Altyn Minbar" has served as a platform for constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and familiarization with the spiritual and cultural values of the peoples of different countries.

The festival acquires particular significance during the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, declared by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, and in the year when Kazan holds the status of the cultural capital of the Islamic world. According to the Grand Mufti, the motto of the film festival — "From Dialogue of Cultures to a Culture of Dialogue" — resonates especially strongly today.

"Cinema possesses a special power — it can give a person the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of another people, to feel their culture and traditions, to discover what unites people regardless of language, faith, or nationality," emphasized Grand Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin.

The Grand Mufti announced that this year, for the first time, the President's Prize of the Kazan International Film Festival "Altyn Minbar" — "For Spirituality in Cinema Art" — has been established. The new award is intended to recognize authors who, through the language of art, turn to eternal moral values, human dignity, mercy, love, and responsibility.

The spiritual leader of Russian Muslims noted the development of domestic cinema and the growing number of films by Russian directors, including those created in Tatarstan. In conclusion, Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin wished the participants creative success and the festival continued development and prosperity.