Moscow Hosts Inaugural “Culture. Media. Digital” Forum with Global Industry Leaders
The first-ever “Culture. Media. Digital” forum held on November 13–14 in Moscow brought together over 5,000 participants, including 128 speakers from 16 countries, to explore the intersection of cinema, media, technology, and creative industries. With a diverse agenda featuring cinema, AI, eSports, and game development, the event marked a milestone in fostering global collaboration and innovation in the creative sector.
Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica, who served as the honorary chairman, highlighted Moscow’s vibrancy:
"Moscow isn’t just a city—it’s a pulsating hub of over 13 million people. Its energy and the openness of its people create a unique heartbeat."
Renowned directors Oliver Stone (USA) and Luc Besson (France) headlined the event alongside experts from Russian and international media platforms. Besson praised the city’s beauty and its influence on his creativity:
"Moscow is a breathtakingly beautiful city. I’ve had the joy of filming here and meeting incredible people. Cinema connects us all, transcending borders."
Program Highlights
The forum revolved around five themes:
- Cinema and New Media
- AI as a Co-Creator
- Virtual Spaces
- Video Games and eSports
- The Digital Economy of Creative Industries
Over 31 sessions delved into global trends, challenges, and opportunities in creative industries. Panels like “The Future of Communication” and “The Media Landscape of the Future” featured prominent voices such as Emir Kusturica, Oliver Stone, Sébastien Cotte (France), and Dmitriy Pashutin (Russia).
Stone shared his perspective on storytelling:
"Cinema retells timeless stories, finding new meanings each time. Not all films need to become classics; their ephemeral nature drives artistic evolution."
Industry Insights
Experts addressed key topics such as:
- The role of AI in media and content creation
- Emerging trends in gaming and eSports
- Strategies for fostering transparency in information
- The evolution of the global media landscape
The session “To Moscow with Love” saw Luc Besson reflect on the enduring allure of Russian culture and its depiction in international cinema.
A Hub for Creative Innovation
Hosted at the historic Mosfilm studios’ TAU venue, the forum provided a platform for international partnerships in content production and distribution. It also explored strategies to preserve human capital and advance the economics of new media.
This inaugural event sets the stage for Moscow as a leading global destination for creative industry collaboration, with plans for future forums to expand on this year’s successes.
