International film festival in Moscow to showcase over 80 films focused on lives of people with disabilities

The 13th International Film Festival "Cinema Without Barriers" will be held in Moscow, showcasing films from 31 countries that focus on the lives of people with disabilities. All screenings will be fully accessible to viewers with disabilities. Admission to all events is free, but prior registration is required.

The festival aims to challenge stereotypes about people with disabilities and to highlight the diversity of human experiences through the art of cinema. This year, the festival has received a record number of submissions, over 950 films from 70 countries. The final programme includes the best works, including feature and documentary films, animation, and short films.

The jury will be chaired by acclaimed director, screenwriter, and producer Aleksey Fedorchenko, a multiple winner of international film festival awards.

"Human civilisation’s entire journey has been one of moving from intolerance to tolerance. The Cinema Without Barriers festival boldly, enthusiastically, and vibrantly breaks down these barriers, helping us to become kinder and more tolerant towards one another," said director Nikolay Lebedev, who chaired the festival jury in 2022.

The festival will also feature a series of professional events, including discussions, masterclasses, and meetings with directors.

The International Film Festival "Cinema Without Barriers" has been running since 2002. It is organised by the "Perspektiva" Regional Public Organisation of People with Disabilities, with the support of the Russian Ministry of Culture.

Photo: Evgeniy Shkolenko / iStock