The film festival “PEOPLE AND ENVIRONMENT” was conceived by the organizers as a platform for thinking about the relationship between humanity and nature.
The festival aims to raise environmental awareness through cinematography.
As part of the festival, business events will be organized at which the most pressing environmental problems and the role of films and directors in solving them will be discussed.

Awards & Prizes

The jury of the Festival evaluates films and decides on the winners and awardees of the Festival in the following categories:
• Grand Prix Award (500,000 RUB cash prize, the payment can only be made on a ruble account)
• Mikhail Romm Award for Best Documentary Film
• Ivan Chersky Award for Best Popular-Science Film
• Leonid Gaidai Award for Best Feature Film
• Antonio Donatello Award for Best Full-Dome Film
• Best Animated Film
• The Baikal Award is given for the severity of the problem (to a film about the most pressing environmental problems)

Festival jury reserves a right to add any other nomination and award a film with corresponding diploma.

There are special awards as well:

• Youth Jury Award;
• Mass Media Award;
• Audience Award;

State, public, educational entities and other organizations can give optional awards on the Festival. There are personalized awards as well.

Rules & Terms

25th Baikal International Film Festival "PEOPLE AND ENVIRONMENT" n.a. V.G. Rasputin that will take place in the city of Irkutsk on the 14th-22d of September 2026.
Films (documentary, feature (not less than 25 min and animation (not less than 1 minute) from different countries can participate in the contest program. The films must correspond with the Festival subject and be created not earlier than in 2024, running time from 25 minutes (doc. and feat.)on from all over the world.
Festival has traditionally provide board and accommodation for one representative of each film selected for the Festival contest programme. Travel costs to Irkutsk can be reimbursed within available funds of the Festival (fully or partially).
Submission of films for the Festival contest programme will finish on the March 31th 2026.
The arrival of a film representative to Irkutsk for the presentation of his work at festival events is a prerequisite for selection in the competition program. The Festival does not pay for the films.
For the entry form consideration must be provided: copy of a film in electronic form with a link on video plattform; photo materials for the catalogue (in electronic form) must contain filmmaker’s photo and film snapshots (in jpg or tiff, 300 dpi, not less than 500 Kb); To be viewed by the selection committee, you must provide:
for films in the original language – a copy with English subtitles and editorial scripts (lay-out sheets) in English should be sent obligatory for all participants.
For films in English – a film copy and editorial scripts in English should be sent obligatory.
The entry must include: film title, copyright owners/production company, filmmaker name, camera man name, film running time, the year of a film production, nomination, director biography and filmography, film synopsis (70 words).
We will research only the application, which contains a brief description of the film, biography of the director, email and telephone number of the applicant, as well as a photo of the director and stills from the film
Film trailer should be sent too.
Failure to fulfill at least one of the requirements may entail exclusion from the selection.
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Enikő Berta

    This was the best film festival I've ever been to, thank you all! Congratulations to the team, it was a fantastic festival! The huge cinema hall was full of people, it's a very popular festival. I'm so glad we were there!

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Enikő! Thank you for coming and for the movie! Hope, we"ll see you and your family again!

  • dragos lumpan

    I am glad that "The Last Transhumance" was awarded Best Documentary!

    October 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the movie, Dragos! it is an honor for us!

  • Miguel Cortes Costa

    We are Miguel and Carolina, the directors of the award-winning film 'Wilding' (2024), honored in the Popular Science category. Unfortunately, we were unable to attend the festival in person, but even from Portugal, we could see its scale, international reach, and commitment to environmental issues, all of which were truly impressive. The care with which we were treated was exceptional. Even after submitting our materials, the feedback we received was marked by professionalism — we never went without a response from Elena Utrobina, and for that, we are deeply grateful.

    In sum, we sincerely hope the festival continues for another 20 years. We wish the festival great success and are crossing our fingers that we’ll be able to attend in person in the future.In sum, we sincerely hope the festival continues for another 20 years. We wish it continued success and eagerly look forward to the day we can attend in person under different circumstances.

    September 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much, dear friends!

  • SONA MOGHADAM

    The director of the film" Drops Give Life Said: "This festival boasts exceptional quality, led by professional organizers who effectively steer it toward its goals. The festival exudes an intimate atmosphere, fostering constructive dialogues. Moreover, there's a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. The audience is remarkably cultured, showcasing profound cinematic knowledge and passion. All of this unfolds in the unforgettable city of Irkutsk, nestled in the remarkable region of Siberia. Attending this festival proved to be an amazing experience for me." Farshid Azari

    December 2023
    Helpful
  • Volker Barth

    Topic driven festival that is highly recommendable to people with also an interest in the active and interesting Russian film scene and their perspectives. Located in the culturally rich metropole Irkutsk in remote and beautiful Siberia, the festival is very well and cordially organized (!). With ample of opportunity for exchange with other filmmakers and audience. Not knowing prior what to expect, a very positive surprise throughout. (and of course it was and felt like an honor to have been invited)

    October 2021
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Volker! Thanks a lot!