Yangiliklar

In accordance with the Presidential Decree of July 10, 2025, the traditional Republican Contest “The Greatest, the Dearest” was once again organized at a high level this year.

On August 26, the solemn award ceremony for the winners of the republican stage of the contest was held in the conference hall of the Youth Affairs Agency.

The event was organized under the leadership of the Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan, with the participation of the Writers’ Union, the Cinematography Agency, the National Media Association, the creative association “Tasviriy Oyina”, the Academy of Arts, the National News Agency of Uzbekistan, and the National Television and Radio Company.

This year the contest was held in 7 nominations. One of them was “Cinematic Works”, in which films embodying the noble idea “For the Motherland, for the nation, for the people!” were highly appreciated. These works deeply reflect modern life in Uzbekistan, the selfless labor of our people, the upbringing of the younger generation, and our national values.

In the nomination “Cinematic Works”, the winners were:

1️⃣ Director Abu Tolib Adamqulov – for the feature film “Pandemic. Covid-19”.
The film depicts the 2020–2021 pandemic period, the courage of our doctors, and healthcare reforms through vivid characters. It conveys the idea of educating youth in the spirit of patriotism and professional dedication.

2️⃣ Abdulatif Haydarov – for the animated series “The Childhood of My Great Ancestors”.
These works emphasize respect for great ancestors and inspire young people to pursue knowledge and enlightenment.

3️⃣ Saida’loxon Masudxonov – for directing the documentary film “Vali Gafurov. A Novel Written with a Needle”.
The film tells the story of Vali Gafurov, author of the novel “Vafodor”, who, despite physical limitations after World War II, managed to combine teaching and writing with remarkable perseverance.

These works not only left a profound impression on the audience but also made a worthy contribution to promoting national pride and the spirit of patriotism in the new stage of independent Uzbekistan’s development.

Today, the Director of the Cinematography Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shuhrat Rizayev, received a delegation headed by Zhang Xuxia, Deputy Director of the China Film Archive.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the expansion of cooperation between the two countries in the field of cinema and film archiving.

✅ It was agreed to organize film screenings and a photo exhibition dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese aggression and the triumph in the World Anti-Fascist War. These events will take place on August 26–27 at the National Palace of Cinema Art of Uzbekistan.

✅ The parties also agreed to arrange internships for specialists of the Uzbekistan National Film Fund in China, launch practical training programs for them, and invite Chinese experts to Uzbekistan to conduct master classes.

The meeting also touched upon the implementation of joint projects, experience exchange, and the strengthening of cultural ties between the Cinematography Agency of Uzbekistan and the China Film Archive.

Both sides emphasized that such meetings contribute to further strengthening cultural relations between the two nations and to fostering friendship through the art of cinema.

From August 22 to 24 of this year, the VI International LENDOC Film Festival (LEFF) was held in Russia’s cultural capital, Saint Petersburg. This is one of the key events bringing together filmmakers from Russia and neighboring countries.

As part of Uzbekistan’s delegation of cinematographers, the following representatives took part in this prestigious international festival:

• Alisher Khadjayev – Deputy Director of the Cinematography Agency
• Bahodir Muhamedov – Director of the “Uzbekfilm” Film Concern State Unitary Enterprise
• Erkin Azamov – screenwriter and playwright, author of the script for the film “Chasing the Spring”
• Sayyora Khudayberdieva – Head of the International Department at the National Cinema Development Center

The festival program included three main categories:

• Main Competition – feature films (60 minutes and longer)
• Documentary films (40 minutes and longer)
• Lendoc Start – student works (fiction and documentary, from 6 minutes)

Within the framework of the festival, the X meeting of heads of film organizations was also held. The Uzbek delegation was awarded a letter of gratitude by the Legislative Assembly of Saint Petersburg for many years of cooperation in the field of cinematography between the countries.

 In preparation for the celebration of the 34th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan, based on the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 516 dated August 13, 2025, a nationwide charity hashar under the motto “A Prosperous and Flourishing Mahalla – the Beauty of the Nation” was organized at the Cinematography Agency on August 22–23 of this year. 

Today, Deputy Director of the Cinematography Agency A. Khadjayev held a meeting with the management of the new branch of the New York Film Academy (NYFA) set to open in Kazakhstan.
 During the meeting, the branch’s Rector, Gani Nigmetov, provided detailed information about the academy and its activities.

For reference:
✅ In August 2024, the first Creative Industries Park in Kazakhstan was opened in the city of Qaskelen, Almaty Region, based at the Gumarbek Daukeyev Almaty University of Energy and Communications. As part of a strategic partnership, NYFA began operating on the park’s premises as its third campus outside the United States. This is the first international-level university in Kazakhstan in the field of creative industries.

Educational process
✅ The start of full-time academic programs is scheduled for September 29, 2025. NYFA instructors invited from the United States will teach in the following areas:

• Filmmaking
• Acting Technique
• Screenwriting
• 3D Animation & VFX
• Game Design

✅ The first intake is expected to enroll up to 200 students from Kazakhstan and Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan. Graduates will receive a U.S.-standard diploma and have the opportunity to continue their studies at the New York or Los Angeles campuses.

✅ The meeting discussed cooperation in education, student exchange, cultural initiatives, and joint projects. Detailed information was also provided on opportunities for Uzbek students and other interested individuals to study at the NYFA Kazakhstan campus.

✅ The Cinematography Agency expressed hope for establishing long-term and effective cooperation with NYFA, both within this project and through broader initiatives aimed at developing creative industries in Central Asia.

Today, the premiere of the feature film “My Mahalla” was held at the Uzbekistan National Palace of Cinematography.
The film was produced by the “O‘zbekfilm” film concern in cooperation with the Cinematography Agency, the Mahalla Association of Uzbekistan, and the Republican Center for Spirituality and Enlightenment.
The movie portrays the activities of the "Mahalla Seven" — the mahalla chairperson, hokim’s assistant, youth leader, women’s activist, prevention inspector, social worker, and tax officer — highlighting pressing issues within mahalla life through their roles.

The film reflects such noble human values as friendship, compassion, courage, dedication, and patriotism.

The premiere was attended by more than a thousand viewers from different regions of the country, including representatives of state and public organizations, artists, creatives, youth, the general public, and media representatives.

According to the Ministry of Culture, the meeting, chaired by TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Rayev, was attended by our country's delegation led by the Director of the Uzbekistan Cinematography Agency Shukhrat Rizayev. Delegations from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan and other member states also participated.

The event discussed issues of creating entertaining films that reflect historical and national values, and strengthening cooperation in the field of cinematography between Turkic countries.

In addition, agreements were reached on such topical areas as the development of cultural ties between Turkic peoples, the organization of film festivals, and support for young filmmakers.

In accordance with the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PQ-209 “On measures to further develop the field of cinematography and create a series of films dedicated to the history of our country”, and based on Joint Protocol No. 65/1 of the National Commission for the Development and Support of Cinematography and the National Council for Enhancing the Ideological and Artistic Quality of Films, a pitching session was held on June 19, 2025, among production studios interested in producing films included in the “Living History” program.

📌 A total of 41 studios submitted applications to obtain the right to produce 18 films. Since only one studio applied for five of the projects, no pitching was held for those films. The National Council also reviewed the synopses of two film projects and decided that they should undergo a second round of pitching.

📅 As a result of the pitching held on June 19, 2025, in which 24 studios competed for 11 film projects, and in accordance with Decision No. 3 of the National Council, the following studios were selected as winners:

1. 🎥 “Mirzo Ulug‘bek” (feature film) – “O‘zbekfilm” National Film Studio
2. 🎥 “Al-Khwarizmi” – “RAMZ-FILM” Studio
3. 🎥 “Farhod and Shirin” – “Brothers Partners Ship” LLC
4. 🎥 “Maqsud Shayxzoda” – “First Art Media” LLC
5. 🎥 “Guloyim and the Forty Girls” – “Qaraqalpaqfilm” Studio
6. 🎥 “The Magic Flute” – “OLOV NUR MEDIA”
7. 🎥 “Imam Maturidi” – “O‘zbekfilm” National Film Studio
8. 🎥 “Herman Vambery and Mulla Is’hoq” (docu-publicistic film) – Center for Cinematography Development
9. 🎥 “Heroes of Turkestan” (docu-publicistic film) – “KREAFLY PROJE REKLAM”
10. 🎥 “The Uzbek Case” (docu-publicistic film) – “O‘zbekfilm” National Film Studio
11. 🎥 “Bibikhanum” (docu-publicistic film) – Documentary and Chronicle Film Studio

Today, at the “Renessans” Cinema House, an intellectual game “Zakovat” was held under the slogan “We Choose Life”, in connection with June 26 – International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, and June 30 – Youth Day.

The event was organized within the framework of the instruction of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated May 22, 2025 (No. 12/1-1423), on the initiative of the Cinematography Agency under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and with the support of the Tashkent branch of the All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography named after S.A. Gerasimov.

During the intellectual competition, participants demonstrated their knowledge, critical thinking, and quick-wittedness. The winning teams were awarded honorary certificates and memorable gifts.

Such events play an important role in promoting a healthy lifestyle among young people and encouraging them to stay away from harmful habits.

A press conference was held at the Agency for Information and Mass Communications with the participation of the leadership of the Cinematography Agency and its affiliated organizations. The event was attended by the Director of the Agency, Shuhrat Rizaev, the Director of the “Documentary and Chronicle Films Studio”, Bahodir Adilov, and the Director of the “Uzbekfilm” Film Concern, Bahodir Mukhamedov. They answered questions from media representatives and cinema enthusiasts.

During the press conference, the results of the first half of 2025 were reviewed, the progress of the “Living History” program was discussed, and the upcoming key tasks were outlined.

For reference, the event was broadcast live on the “Uzbekistan 24” and “UzReport” TV channels.

This press conference marked an important step towards greater transparency in the industry and effective cooperation with the media.

Today, a meeting was held between Sultan Raev, Secretary General of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), and Shuhrat Rizayev, Director of the Cinematography Agency.

During the meeting, the parties discussed ongoing collaborative projects. Appreciation was expressed to TURKSOY for its active support and contributions, and proposals for new joint initiatives were put forward.

The initiative to organize “Uzbek Cinema Days” in cooperation with TURKSOY was also discussed.

In addition, the participation of Uzbek filmmakers in the “Korkut Ata” Turkic World Film Festival was considered.

This meeting marked an important step in strengthening bilateral cultural and humanitarian ties.

Today, a meeting was held at the “Palace of National Cinematic Art” with the participation of employees from the Cinematography Agency and its affiliated organizations. The meeting aimed to ensure the implementation of the priority tasks set by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during the extended session of the National Council for Combating Corruption on March 5 of this year, as well as to carry out the assigned measures in the fight against corruption.

During the meeting, discussions were held on the ongoing efforts and future tasks related to Presidential Decree No. PQ–147, “On measures to ensure the independence of internal anti-corruption units in government bodies and organizations and to increase the effectiveness of their activities,” and Presidential Decree No. PF–71, “On measures to effectively implement the priority tasks to further improve the anti-corruption system.”

In addition, the leadership of the Cinematography Agency gave instructions to identify and eliminate the causes and conditions that create opportunities for corruption in the sector, and to ensure the timely and full implementation of the tasks outlined in the aforementioned Decree and Presidential Order.