Listapad 2025: Minsk’s International Film Festival in Belarus
- Khoshnaw Rahmani
- Oct 19, 2025
- 2 min read
Khoshnaw Rahmani, Jadetimes Staff
K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering culture.
The 31st Minsk International Film Festival “Listapad” will take place from 31 October to 7 November 2025, bringing together filmmakers, critics, and audiences from across the globe. As Belarus’ premier cinematic event, Listapad has grown into a cultural landmark that celebrates international cinema while highlighting national film achievements. This year’s edition promises a diverse program, prestigious juries, and a strong emphasis on films that challenge perspectives and spark dialogue.
Festival Overview
Dates: 31 October – 7 November 2025
Main Venue: Palace of the Republic, Minsk
Additional Screenings: Regional and district centers across Belarus, ensuring nationwide participation
Slogan: “History That Changes Perspectives”
The festival is organized by the Belarusfilm National Film Studio with support from the Ministry of Culture of Belarus.
Competition Programs
Listapad 2025 will feature a wide range of competition categories, reflecting the festival’s international scope:
Main Feature Films Competition
Main Documentary Films Competition
Main Animation Films Competition
Children and Youth Films Competition “Listapadzik”
Youth Films Competition “Cinema of the Young”
Short Films Competition
National Film Schools Competition
National Competition
Preference is given to films that have already been recognized at other international festivals or have received critical acclaim.
Highlights of the 2025 Edition
Opening Film: Turning Point, a sports drama by Belarusian director Dmitry Soroka, will premiere at the opening ceremony.
Submissions: Over 3,600 films from 120 countries were submitted for consideration, underscoring the festival’s global reach.
Jury Chairs: Internationally recognized filmmakers and critics will preside over the juries, ensuring a high standard of evaluation.
Cultural Outreach: Screenings will extend beyond Minsk, allowing audiences across Belarus to experience the festival atmosphere.
Timeline of Key Events
Date | Event | Venue | Notes |
Oct 31 | Opening Ceremony & Premiere | Palace of the Republic, Minsk | Turning Point by Dmitry Soroka |
Nov 1–6 | Competition Screenings & Panels | Minsk + regional centers | Feature, documentary, animation, etc. |
Nov 7 | Closing Ceremony & Awards | Palace of the Republic, Minsk | Winners announced across categories |
Cultural Significance
Listapad has long been more than a film festival — it is a cultural bridge. By showcasing films from Europe, Asia, the CIS, and beyond, it fosters dialogue across borders and highlights Belarus’ role in the global cinematic community. The inclusion of youth and children’s competitions also ensures that the festival nurtures the next generation of filmmakers and audiences.
With its broad international participation, diverse competition programs, and nationwide screenings, Listapad 2025 is set to reaffirm Minsk’s place on the global cultural map. As Belarus’ flagship film festival enters its 31st year, it continues to embody the power of cinema to inspire, challenge, and connect people across cultures.
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