International Muslim Film Festival Opens In Kazan

Mufti Ravil Gaynutdin, the head of the Council of Muftis of Russia and the festival's president, arrives with his wife for the opening ceremony.

Crowds wait for guests to arrive. Although the festival highlights films from Muslims countries or with Muslim themes, the films cover a wide range of subjects, including secular topics.

Filmmaker Karen Shakhnazarov is the head of the festival jury.

Russian director and actor Vladimir Menchov

Tatar director and actor Ramil Tukhvatullin and his wife

Young Tatar director Ilshat Rakhimbay

Orthodox priests are among the guests at the Muslim-themed film festival.

Performers hold the flags of the 27 countries participating in the festival.

Tatarstan's Speaker of Parliament Farit Mukhametshin addresses the guests.

Festival president Mufti Ravil Gaynutdin speaks at the opening ceremony.