The President of our country met with filmmakers and outlined new objectives for the development of the national film industry
Uzbekistan
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with film industry professionals at the "Uzbekfilm" studio.
During the meeting, the achievements of the national film industry, current tasks, and new directions for the sector's development were discussed.
The Head of State emphasized that "Uzbekfilm" is a landmark site where generations of filmmakers created works beloved by the people. Films such as "The Whole Neighborhood Is Talking About It," "Days Gone By," "The Mischief-Maker," "Duel Under the Plane Tree," and "Suyunchi"—along with their characters—remain etched in the memory of our nation. These traditions have continued throughout the years of independence, exemplified by works like "Abdullajan," "Fields Left by My Father," "Dilkhiroj," "Homeland," and "The Yurt."
"The history of our national cinema is embodied within the walls of this studio—the labor of several generations of creative professionals, and the dreams, aspirations, and hopes of our people brought to life on screen," the Head of State noted.
In recent years, the film studio has undergone a complete reconstruction. Two decrees and eight resolutions have been adopted to support the industry. While 10 billion soums were allocated from the state budget for film production in 2016, this figure has reached 218 billion soums this year. Over the past decade, the total funding provided has amounted to 1.2 trillion soums.
Dozens of private film studios have entered the sector, and a new generation of domestic talent has emerged. Historical films such as "Islamkhoja," "Ibrat," "Avloni," "Abdulla Qodiriy," "The Wind of Kokand," "Muqimiy," "Ilhak," "Uzbek Girl," and "Bahadur Yalangtush" have been produced. Recently, Tashkent hosted—for the first time—an awards ceremony for filmmakers from Central Asia and the Caucasus, held under the auspices of the international "Golden Globe" film awards. During the event, actress Gulchekhra Jamilova was honored with the "Meridian" award.
Alongside these achievements, the President of the country also highlighted existing challenges. Contrary to the common belief that the rise of social media has led people to visit cinemas less frequently, movie theaters continue to fill up for screenings of foreign films.
"This means that audiences have not abandoned cinema or the experience of going to the theater; rather, their tastes and expectations have evolved," the head of state noted.
Ensuring that national films meet these expectations is hindered by the lack of a cohesive distribution system—from the initial production phase to the final theatrical release. Furthermore, insufficient attention is paid to the perspectives of professional film critics. The President emphasized that objective analysis would enable creative professionals to identify their own shortcomings and pursue further improvement.
The current system of state commissioning and procurement also fails to meet the demands of the modern film industry. In some instances, a single director is assigned up to six projects simultaneously, while a single writer may be tasked with as many as seven. Nearly half of all commissions are allocated to state-owned film studios, which limits the ability of independent, private filmmakers to compete on an equal footing. It was noted that procuring a film based on rigid technical specifications—much like purchasing a standard commodity or a construction project—is fundamentally flawed, as the screenplay may evolve during production, and creative decisions may be subject to revision.
“Ultimately, the work of a creative artist should be judged by a film that prompts the viewer to reflect deeply and leaves a lasting impression on their soul,” the President emphasized.
The Head of State noted that cinema helps nations better understand one another; a country capable of effectively presenting its history, culture, and national heroes on the global stage gains greater influence in the international arena. Today, cinema has become a tool of “soft power,” strengthening a nation’s international standing. It also plays a vital role in shaping the consciousness and worldview of the younger generation.
The President articulated the core concept of “O‘z” (“One’s Own/Authentic”) in the realm of cinema as follows: “To recognize one’s own identity and tell one’s own story to the world, in one’s own voice.” He further noted that, alongside great figures from the past, the lives of the people living among us today should also be authentically reflected on screen. It was emphasized that the lives of teachers, doctors, athletes, defenders of the nation, entrepreneurs, construction workers, and young people offer a vast landscape for creative exploration and the production of compelling, emotionally resonant films.
“May our children see themselves in such characters, gain faith in their own abilities, and feel a sense of belonging to the future of their homeland!” the Head of State stressed.
To foster the development of the national film industry, the functions of sector management, financing, and film production will be clearly delineated. The Cinematography Agency will be abolished, and the authority to implement state policy in this field will be transferred to the Ministry of Culture. A Department of Cinema will be established within the Ministry, with its head holding a status equivalent to that of a Deputy Minister. The officials responsible have been tasked with organizing the operations of this new department and completing the dissolution of the existing agency structure within one month. The state-owned film studio "Uzbekfilm" will be transformed into the "Uzbekfilm" National Film Company, which will operate according to a modern business model. The company will no longer produce films itself—a function that will shift entirely to the private sector. Instead, the National Film Company will focus on selecting and financing projects, as well as promoting, distributing, and introducing films to international markets and film festivals. Instructions have been issued to establish its operations within one week.
Regarding film financing, the existing system of state-commissioned projects will be replaced by a support mechanism based on subsidies.
"From now on, the state will not act as a commissioner of films, but rather as a reliable partner to creative professionals and the private sector," the President emphasized.
In this new system, priority will be given to the creative process and its specific requirements, rather than to rigid technical specifications. A financing mechanism is to be implemented within one month; starting next year, the state budget will provide an annual allocation based on requests from the National Film Company.
A unified industrial cluster—the "Uzbekfilm" Film City—will be developed on the 10-hectare "Uzbekfilm" site, consolidating various film production services. A total of 400 billion soums will be allocated for this purpose. Additionally, 80 billion soums will be earmarked for a modern dubbing and sound-recording center to be built within the Film City complex. A master plan and the necessary design and cost-estimate documentation for the Film City are to be developed within two months, with construction scheduled to begin in March of next year.
Another initiative to support filmmakers was also announced: the "Kohinur" sanatorium, located in the Kuyichirchik district and renovated to meet modern standards, will be placed at their disposal. In addition, at least 300 industry professionals will receive free vouchers annually for stays at the republic’s sanatoriums for rest and medical treatment.
A "Film Scholars’ Club" will be established to foster scientific research, analysis, and professional film criticism. The national film company will support its activities and assist the club in joining the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI).
The Creative Union of Film Professionals of Uzbekistan and the Association of Film Industry Representatives of Uzbekistan will merge to form the Chamber of Film Professionals of Uzbekistan. The Chamber will focus on protecting the copyrights and professional interests of creative personnel, as well as facilitating the professional development of young talent. Support will also be provided for young filmmakers to pursue advanced training abroad.
The President of our country has proposed establishing "Uzbekfilm" as the unified brand for the national film industry. An initiative has been put forward to name a section of Chilanzar Street "Uzbekfilm," and to bring the Museum of Cinema, the Palace of Cinema, and the National Film Fund together under this same name.
The head of our state then listened to the views of both experienced filmmakers and young people. Emphasizing that all necessary conditions would be created for creative professionals and that their initiatives would receive support, the President noted that the creation of quality cinema requires diligent work, patriotism, and a creative spirit infused with love for one’s own people.
“I believe in you. By drawing upon our identity and gaining a profound understanding of life today, we can together open a new chapter in our national cinema,” said the President of Uzbekistan.
The Head of State emphasized that "Uzbekfilm" is a landmark site where generations of filmmakers created works beloved by the people. Films such as "The Whole Neighborhood Is Talking About It," "Days Gone By," "The Mischief-Maker," "Duel Under the Plane Tree," and "Suyunchi"—along with their characters—remain etched in the memory of our nation. These traditions have continued throughout the years of independence, exemplified by works like "Abdullajan," "Fields Left by My Father," "Dilkhiroj," "Homeland," and "The Yurt."
"The history of our national cinema is embodied within the walls of this studio—the labor of several generations of creative professionals, and the dreams, aspirations, and hopes of our people brought to life on screen," the Head of State noted.
In recent years, the film studio has undergone a complete reconstruction. Two decrees and eight resolutions have been adopted to support the industry. While 10 billion soums were allocated from the state budget for film production in 2016, this figure has reached 218 billion soums this year. Over the past decade, the total funding provided has amounted to 1.2 trillion soums.
Dozens of private film studios have entered the sector, and a new generation of domestic talent has emerged. Historical films such as "Islamkhoja," "Ibrat," "Avloni," "Abdulla Qodiriy," "The Wind of Kokand," "Muqimiy," "Ilhak," "Uzbek Girl," and "Bahadur Yalangtush" have been produced. Recently, Tashkent hosted—for the first time—an awards ceremony for filmmakers from Central Asia and the Caucasus, held under the auspices of the international "Golden Globe" film awards. During the event, actress Gulchekhra Jamilova was honored with the "Meridian" award.
Alongside these achievements, the President of the country also highlighted existing challenges. Contrary to the common belief that the rise of social media has led people to visit cinemas less frequently, movie theaters continue to fill up for screenings of foreign films.
"This means that audiences have not abandoned cinema or the experience of going to the theater; rather, their tastes and expectations have evolved," the head of state noted.
Ensuring that national films meet these expectations is hindered by the lack of a cohesive distribution system—from the initial production phase to the final theatrical release. Furthermore, insufficient attention is paid to the perspectives of professional film critics. The President emphasized that objective analysis would enable creative professionals to identify their own shortcomings and pursue further improvement.
The current system of state commissioning and procurement also fails to meet the demands of the modern film industry. In some instances, a single director is assigned up to six projects simultaneously, while a single writer may be tasked with as many as seven. Nearly half of all commissions are allocated to state-owned film studios, which limits the ability of independent, private filmmakers to compete on an equal footing. It was noted that procuring a film based on rigid technical specifications—much like purchasing a standard commodity or a construction project—is fundamentally flawed, as the screenplay may evolve during production, and creative decisions may be subject to revision.
“Ultimately, the work of a creative artist should be judged by a film that prompts the viewer to reflect deeply and leaves a lasting impression on their soul,” the President emphasized.
The Head of State noted that cinema helps nations better understand one another; a country capable of effectively presenting its history, culture, and national heroes on the global stage gains greater influence in the international arena. Today, cinema has become a tool of “soft power,” strengthening a nation’s international standing. It also plays a vital role in shaping the consciousness and worldview of the younger generation.
The President articulated the core concept of “O‘z” (“One’s Own/Authentic”) in the realm of cinema as follows: “To recognize one’s own identity and tell one’s own story to the world, in one’s own voice.” He further noted that, alongside great figures from the past, the lives of the people living among us today should also be authentically reflected on screen. It was emphasized that the lives of teachers, doctors, athletes, defenders of the nation, entrepreneurs, construction workers, and young people offer a vast landscape for creative exploration and the production of compelling, emotionally resonant films.
“May our children see themselves in such characters, gain faith in their own abilities, and feel a sense of belonging to the future of their homeland!” the Head of State stressed.
To foster the development of the national film industry, the functions of sector management, financing, and film production will be clearly delineated. The Cinematography Agency will be abolished, and the authority to implement state policy in this field will be transferred to the Ministry of Culture. A Department of Cinema will be established within the Ministry, with its head holding a status equivalent to that of a Deputy Minister. The officials responsible have been tasked with organizing the operations of this new department and completing the dissolution of the existing agency structure within one month. The state-owned film studio "Uzbekfilm" will be transformed into the "Uzbekfilm" National Film Company, which will operate according to a modern business model. The company will no longer produce films itself—a function that will shift entirely to the private sector. Instead, the National Film Company will focus on selecting and financing projects, as well as promoting, distributing, and introducing films to international markets and film festivals. Instructions have been issued to establish its operations within one week.
Regarding film financing, the existing system of state-commissioned projects will be replaced by a support mechanism based on subsidies.
"From now on, the state will not act as a commissioner of films, but rather as a reliable partner to creative professionals and the private sector," the President emphasized.
In this new system, priority will be given to the creative process and its specific requirements, rather than to rigid technical specifications. A financing mechanism is to be implemented within one month; starting next year, the state budget will provide an annual allocation based on requests from the National Film Company.
A unified industrial cluster—the "Uzbekfilm" Film City—will be developed on the 10-hectare "Uzbekfilm" site, consolidating various film production services. A total of 400 billion soums will be allocated for this purpose. Additionally, 80 billion soums will be earmarked for a modern dubbing and sound-recording center to be built within the Film City complex. A master plan and the necessary design and cost-estimate documentation for the Film City are to be developed within two months, with construction scheduled to begin in March of next year.
Another initiative to support filmmakers was also announced: the "Kohinur" sanatorium, located in the Kuyichirchik district and renovated to meet modern standards, will be placed at their disposal. In addition, at least 300 industry professionals will receive free vouchers annually for stays at the republic’s sanatoriums for rest and medical treatment.
A "Film Scholars’ Club" will be established to foster scientific research, analysis, and professional film criticism. The national film company will support its activities and assist the club in joining the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI).
The Creative Union of Film Professionals of Uzbekistan and the Association of Film Industry Representatives of Uzbekistan will merge to form the Chamber of Film Professionals of Uzbekistan. The Chamber will focus on protecting the copyrights and professional interests of creative personnel, as well as facilitating the professional development of young talent. Support will also be provided for young filmmakers to pursue advanced training abroad.
The President of our country has proposed establishing "Uzbekfilm" as the unified brand for the national film industry. An initiative has been put forward to name a section of Chilanzar Street "Uzbekfilm," and to bring the Museum of Cinema, the Palace of Cinema, and the National Film Fund together under this same name.
The head of our state then listened to the views of both experienced filmmakers and young people. Emphasizing that all necessary conditions would be created for creative professionals and that their initiatives would receive support, the President noted that the creation of quality cinema requires diligent work, patriotism, and a creative spirit infused with love for one’s own people.
“I believe in you. By drawing upon our identity and gaining a profound understanding of life today, we can together open a new chapter in our national cinema,” said the President of Uzbekistan.
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