Mirziyoyev Calls for Uzbek Cinema to Reach a New Level
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan’s president has announced a major reform of the country’s film industry, including the abolition of the Cinematography Agency and the transfer of film production entirely to the private sector. The Ministry of Culture will take responsibility for state policy on cinema and establish a new Department of Cinematic Art.
Speaking at a meeting with filmmakers at the Uzbekfilm studio, the president highlighted cinema’s role in preserving national history and cultural memory. Films such as “Mahallada duv-duv gap,” “The Days Gone By,” “Shum Bola,” “Duel Beneath the Plane Tree” and “Suyunchi” remain familiar to generations of viewers. After independence, the tradition continued with films including “Abdullajon,” “Fields Left by My Father,” “Dilkhiroj,” “Vatan” and “Otov.”
The studio has been fully reconstructed, while two decrees and eight resolutions supporting the industry were adopted over the past decade. State funding for film production rose from 10 billion soums in 2016 to 218 billion soums this year. The president said national cinema had improved in quality and dozens of private studios had entered the market. Historical films produced in the new era include “Islam Khoja,” “Ibrat,” “Avloniy,” “Abdulla Qodiriy,” “The Wind of Kokand,” “Muqimiy,” “Ilhaq,” “Uzbek Girl” and “Bahodir Yalangtosh.” Actress Gulchehra Jamilova received the Meridian Award at a ceremony honouring filmmakers from Central Asia and the Caucasus, held in Tashkent for the first time as part of the Golden Globe’s history.
The president noted that foreign films continue to draw full audiences, while domestic productions do not always meet changing viewer expectations. He identified the lack of an integrated distribution system, connecting production with screenings, as a key weakness. Professional film criticism also receives insufficient attention. The state-order system needs reform: directors could be assigned up to six projects and writers up to seven, while nearly half of commissions went to state studios. This restricted competition and encouraged rapid completion rather than careful creative work. The president said films should not be commissioned like ordinary goods under technical specifications.
He described cinema as a form of “soft power” that can strengthen Uzbekistan’s international standing. Films should portray not only historic figures but also today’s teachers, doctors, athletes, service members, entrepreneurs, builders and young people. He framed the “O‘z” concept as understanding one’s identity and telling the world the nation’s own stories in its own voice.
The new model will separate industry management, financing and production. A Department of Cinematic Art will be established within the Ministry of Culture, with its head holding the rank of deputy minister. Officials have one month to launch the department and wind down the Cinematography Agency. The state Uzbekfilm institution will be replaced by a national film company operating under a modern business model. It will not make films itself; instead, it will select and finance projects, promote and distribute films, and help them reach international markets and festivals. The company is expected to begin operating within one week.
The studio has been fully reconstructed, while two decrees and eight resolutions supporting the industry were adopted over the past decade. State funding for film production rose from 10 billion soums in 2016 to 218 billion soums this year. The president said national cinema had improved in quality and dozens of private studios had entered the market. Historical films produced in the new era include “Islam Khoja,” “Ibrat,” “Avloniy,” “Abdulla Qodiriy,” “The Wind of Kokand,” “Muqimiy,” “Ilhaq,” “Uzbek Girl” and “Bahodir Yalangtosh.” Actress Gulchehra Jamilova received the Meridian Award at a ceremony honouring filmmakers from Central Asia and the Caucasus, held in Tashkent for the first time as part of the Golden Globe’s history.
The president noted that foreign films continue to draw full audiences, while domestic productions do not always meet changing viewer expectations. He identified the lack of an integrated distribution system, connecting production with screenings, as a key weakness. Professional film criticism also receives insufficient attention. The state-order system needs reform: directors could be assigned up to six projects and writers up to seven, while nearly half of commissions went to state studios. This restricted competition and encouraged rapid completion rather than careful creative work. The president said films should not be commissioned like ordinary goods under technical specifications.
He described cinema as a form of “soft power” that can strengthen Uzbekistan’s international standing. Films should portray not only historic figures but also today’s teachers, doctors, athletes, service members, entrepreneurs, builders and young people. He framed the “O‘z” concept as understanding one’s identity and telling the world the nation’s own stories in its own voice.
The new model will separate industry management, financing and production. A Department of Cinematic Art will be established within the Ministry of Culture, with its head holding the rank of deputy minister. Officials have one month to launch the department and wind down the Cinematography Agency. The state Uzbekfilm institution will be replaced by a national film company operating under a modern business model. It will not make films itself; instead, it will select and finance projects, promote and distribute films, and help them reach international markets and festivals. The company is expected to begin operating within one week.
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