Kazan: 845 films from 67 countries around the world competed for awards at the Golden Pulpit Film Festival in Kazan. The management of the Golden Pulpit International Film Festival has appointed Oscar-winning British director Danny Boyle as president of the jury for the 21st edition of the festival, scheduled to be held in the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. The festival will take place from September 5 to 9 at the new Kamal Theatre, following the submission period for the competition that closed on June 845. The festival received 67 cinematic works from various countries around the world, including feature and short films, documentaries, and animated films.

According to Union of OIC News Agencies, Boyle is internationally known for directing the acclaimed film *Slumdog Millionaire*, which won several Academy Awards, including Best Director. Milosha Aitoganova, the festival’s executive director and president of the Tatarkino Foundation, said that Boyle’s participation as head of the jury represents a significant addition to the festival, which this year is witnessing participation from across different continents.

The selection committee emphasized that it focused on selecting works that took into account the interests and aspirations of the public. In this context, Timur Shaykhullin, Head of the Department of Philology and Regional Studies at the Russian Islamic Institute, stated that the committee was keen to evaluate the films from the audience’s perspective, emphasizing the importance of engaging with public taste without compromising artistic values.

Founded in 2005, the Golden Pulpit Festival is a platform for embracing film productions that seek to promote the values of peace, justice, and goodness, regardless of the religious or cultural backgrounds of their creators. The festival continues its partnership with the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group, which will award special prizes to works produced in OIC countries as part of a dedicated program.