International Youth Film Festival "Light to the World"

Grand Prix. The jury rates films on a 5-point scale; winners in each nomination receive diplomas of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree, and the other finalists receive encouragement diplomas. Special diplomas: jury members, the regional administration, the Yaroslavl Metropolitanate of the Russian Orthodox Church and public figures may award films for acting, directing, cinematography, script or theme. Winners receive handmade prizes.

Two categories. Youth: films whose main director, main cinematographer, most of the cast or most of the animation team were 18 to 35 years old when the film was made. Adults: authors of any age who make films for children with children as the main characters, Orthodox films (nomination "Light to the World") or patriotic films (nomination "Patriotic Film"). Nominations: feature film (full-length and short), film with children, non-fiction film, animated film, social video, music video, TV programme or report, experimental film. A nomination opens when enough entries are received. Competition films run up to 30 minutes; a full-length film up to 1 hour 30 minutes. Films must be recent (for the 2026 edition, made in January 2024 or later). The working language is Russian: foreign-language films need Russian subtitles or simultaneous translation; English subtitles are accepted as an exception. One film per author in each nomination; a studio may enter several films by different directors. Participation is free. Entries are accepted through the festival website and submission platforms (FilmFreeway, Festagent, Festhome and others). A selection committee chooses the finalists, whose authors are invited to the final in the Yaroslavl Region. Travel is paid by participants; accommodation, meals and the cultural programme are covered by the organisers when funding allows.