OREANDA-NEWS. June 19, 2008. The Russian President’s words of welcome to the participants, organizers and guests at the 30th Annual Moscow International Film Festival read, in part: "Your festival has a long and glorious history, a history full of outstanding events, prominent names and memorable premieres. Many of those now recognized as masters of the cinema began their careers at this prestigious festival. And many of the films first shown in Moscow have earned widespread international fame and the love of filmgoers everywhere.

This year, your annual review has again convened the leading cinematic figures and film connoisseurs from Russia and foreign countries. And, most importantly, the festival not only introduces its guests to the achievements and major trends in world cinema, but also by means of creative discussions and master classes gives rise to new ideas, outlines the substantive direction of the film industry and in fact strengthens international cultural cooperation".

The Moscow International Film Festival (MIFF) was founded in 1959. Its prize-winners include Kaneto Shindo (1961, 1999), Federico Fellini (1963, 1987), Akira Kurosawa (1975), Andrzej Wajda (1975), Krzysztof Zanussi (2000) and many other masters of world cinema.

More than 200 films will be shown at this year's festival alone.