A documentary film marking the 10th anniversary of the Interdepartmental Commission on Urban Planning in Historic Settlements.
How a systematic approach to managing urban development in the historic settlements of the Republic of Tatarstan was established over the course of a decade.
REBUS
OF HERITAGE
Why are we making
this film?
The film is being made to document and share the Interdepartmental Commission on Urban Planning in Historic Settlements’ unique 10 years of experience.
Successful examples
Showcase successful examples of new development that blends harmoniously into the historic context.
Evolution of Approaches
Demonstrate how approaches to new construction have evolved—from individual projects to comprehensive master plans.
Exchange of Experience
Inspire other regions of Russia to adopt similar methods and solutions.
Open Digital Platform
Introduce the open digital platform featuring regulations, guidelines, and case studies.
Why This Matters
Today
Preserving the identity of our cities while balancing heritage with contemporary needs has never been more important. Released in the anniversary year, the film reflects on a decade of systematic work and offers practical methods that can be applied across Russia.
This is not simply a retrospective—it is a practical guide and proof that a systematic approach works.
The Film’s
Core Idea
The film follows the living process of designing and building in the historic centers of our cities. It shows how, over the past decade, Tatarstan has developed a practical model for managing historic areas—one that preserves the city’s living fabric, supports its growth, and safeguards its identity.

Guidelines and regulations become tools for balancing past and future. The historic environment is no longer seen as an obstacle, but as a resource for urban development.
Rustam Nurgaliyevich Minnikhanov
Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan
Settlements in historic areas have significant potential, and it is important to support their development. This is one of the priorities of our republic’s cultural policy. We are working steadily to help these places thrive. We can see the far-reaching impact of investment in our historic towns and cities—Kazan, Bolgar, and Sviyazhsk. The restoration of historic monuments and the improvement of public spaces are delivering strong results.

It is essential to strike a balance: new development in the historic center must serve the city’s residents, fit harmoniously into its architecture, and be economically viable.
Who Will Benefit
film
Government authorities:
To adapt and implement successful practices in their regions.
Developers and builders
To explore examples of new buildings successfully integrated into historic settings.
Architects and urban planners
To learn methods and approaches for working with historic heritage.
Development institutions
To understand the mechanisms that support these projects.
The professional community
To exchange experience and deepen expertise.
To reach the widest possible audience, we’re creating several formats from the outset.
Full-Length Version
Documentary film
~52 minutes
Short Version
Special digest
For business sessions and time-limited events.
~22 minutes
Promo
Film Teaser
For screening at the forum and sharing on social media.
~1,5–2 minutes
Exhibition Materials
Integration into the Exhibition
Video art and film excerpts integrated into the Framework of Time: 10 Years of Solutions exhibition.

Use in Forum Materials
Film excerpts featured in promotional and recap videos for the REBUS 2026 Forum.
The film is scheduled to be presented at industry festivals.
How We’ll Share
the Film
Concept and script development
Q1 2026
Research and archival material collection
Q1–Q2 2026
Interviews and filming
Q2 2026
Editing, voice-over, and post-production
Q3 2026
Film premiere
November 11, 2026 · REBUS 2026 Forum · National Library of the Republic of Tatarstan
Timeline
Film Production
In Progress
In Progress
Completed
Completed
Forum Directorate
For questions about using the film, arranging screenings, or requesting further information, please contact the Forum Directorate.
partnery@rebusforum.ru
Please include “Film” in the subject line.
+7 905 310-71-07
Irina Petrova
Project Manager