A meeting with the members of the festival jury was held in the press centre

The second day of the film festival began with a press conference with the jury members. The event was attended by: сhairman of the festival jury, film director Metin Günay (Turkey), Doctor of Media Philosophy Misfer Almousa (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), screenwriter, film director Humaid Al Amri (Oman), actor, producer and film director Esma Daniel (Malaysia), film director, screenwriter, actor, People's Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic Artykpai Suyundukov (Kyrgyzstan), film director and director of the Babylon Animation Film Festival Hussein Mohsen Duij (Iraq), film director and screenwriter, Honored Artist of Uzbekistan Yusup Razykov (Uzbekistan).

“The festival is 20 years old, it is getting better every year. The uniqueness of the festival lies in the fact that it shows its culture and history. All the films were shot very well. If there was no good festival, there would be no quality films and so many countries, actors, actresses would not join. This festival has a high level,” Metin Günay said.

Misfer Almousa came to Tatarstan for the first time. Before coming to the republic, he studied its culture and history.

“Decent cooperation has been established between our countries. As I expected, the people are very hospitable. I was struck by the beauty and the order of the streets. As for the festival, its fame is increasing. All the films presented at the festival touch upon topical issues and reflect the culture of Muslim countries,” M. Almousa emphasized.

The Omani filmmaker said that even before the festival began, his love for the peoples reflected in the films of the festival was born in his soul.

“The purpose of the festival is to show films, exchange contacts, build a dialog between different cultures. Cinema plays a great role in getting to know the culture and traditions of different nations. Your film festival implements the mission of cinema. It is better to see once than to hear 100 times. And when I see it with my own eyes, I will tell others what this festival, these peoples, these cultures are like,” emphasized Humaid Al Amri.

As Hussein Mohsen Douij noted, it is a great honor for him to be on the jury. In addition, the guest from Iraq thanks the selection committee for choosing films of worthy quality.

“I see great similarities between our peoples and nations. People live peacefully and amicably in Kazan, humanity reigns between people. My love for this city has awakened. When I come home, I will speak of Russia only in the best light,” summarized the Iraqi director.

For Esma Daniel, participation in the film festival was the pre-requisite for his first visit to Kazan.

“I went out for a run this morning. I was struck by the calm atmosphere. Kazan is a city to admire,” says E. Daniel.

According to Artykpai Suyundukov, the city of Kazan disposes to creativity: quiet, cozy, clean. It should be noted that in 2011 his work won the prize for the best documentary.

“The festival is organized at a decent level. Tatar cinema has already made itself known. I think it will declare itself at an even more powerful, higher level. I wish success to Tatar cinema, Tatarstan and the people of Tatarstan,” the director emphasized.

During the film festival, the jury will have extensive, patient work.

“I have a great excitement to see as many movies as possible. I hope we will give awards to the worthy ones. I`m probably in Kazan for the 10^th time. I am happy to respond, we will work,” noted Yusup Razykov.