The cultural capital of India is currently buzzing with youthful energy and cinematic magic! As the 12th Kolkata International Children’s Film Festival (KICFF) takes center stage across the city, young movie buffs are in for a special international treat. ROSKINO, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, has officially launched “Russian Film Days India 2026,” bringing five spectacular films to the City of Joy.
From January 23rd to 29th, families in Kolkata can witness a delightful mix of animation, adventure, and magical folklore. Whether your child loves dinosaurs, detective mysteries, or fairytale magic, this year’s Russian showcase promises to broaden horizons and entertain teenagers and children alike.
A Cultural Feast Across Eight Venues
The Kolkata International Children’s Film Festival has always been about bringing global stories to local audiences, and this year is no different. Running across eight different venues throughout Kolkata, the festival creates an accessible space for educational and entertaining cinema. ROSKINO’s participation highlights the growing cultural bond between Russia and India, following a successful film promotion campaign in New Delhi just last month.
This initiative isn’t just about screening movies; it is about introducing Indian children to Russian storytelling traditions. The selection includes a vibrant mix of fiction and animation, ensuring that the visual language transcends borders. If you are planning a day out with the kids this week, catching one of these screenings is a perfect way to experience world-class cinema.
Animated Adventures: Bears, Squirrels, and Dinos
The lineup for 2026 is packed with high-quality animation that rivals the best in the world. Three standout titles are set to capture the imagination of the younger audience:
- The Big Trip 3: Race Around the World (2024): Directed by Vasily Rovensky, this is a continuation of a beloved franchise. We follow Mick-Mick the Bear, who just wants a quiet life with his bees. However, chaos ensues when a silly stork delivers the wrong baby—again! Mick-Mick is forced onto a new, hilarious journey to fix the mistake.
- Detective Chirp & the Golden Beehive (2022): A hit in Russia and abroad, this mystery thriller for kids is directed by Grigory Vozhakin. Set in Honey Valley, the plot thickens when the legendary Golden Beehive is stolen right before the Town Day holiday. It is up to Chirp the Squirrel and his friends to catch the thief and save the town from bad luck.
- The Dino Family (2025): Directed by Maxim Volkov, this film mixes teenage angst with prehistoric adventure. Phil Dino, a schoolboy embarrassed by his father’s paleontology museum, accidentally opens a portal to the Mesozoic era. He ends up on a wild jungle adventure with a velociraptor and his dad, learning that being part of the “Dino family” isn’t so bad after all.
Magic and Mystery: Folklore Meets Modern Life
Beyond standard animation, the program delves into magical realism and fantasy, bringing legendary characters to life in modern settings. These films are designed to resonate with slightly older children and teenagers who love a good plot twist.
Don’t Mess with Baba Yaga (2025), directed by Alexander Voytinsky, offers a comedic and heartwarming take on the famous Slavic witch. Starring Svetlana Khondchenkova, the story follows a boy named Petya whose new nanny is actually the legendary Baba Yaga in disguise. Together, they embark on a quest to restore her magic powers, with Petya learning to “fly” in his own life along the way.
Also on the roster is Finnick 2 (2025) by Denis Chernov. This sequel returns to the world of house boogies. After an accident strips Finnick of his invisibility, the entire existence of his kind is threatened. With a dangerous hunter named Eugene on their tail, Finnick and his friends must find a magical staff to save the day. It is a gripping story about friendship and courage that is sure to leave the audience cheering.
With such a diverse and exciting lineup, the Russian Film Days at KICFF is a can’t-miss event for families in Kolkata this week.
Last Updated: 24 January 2026
