President meets with filmmakers, outlines new priorities for the development of national cinema

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with film industry representatives at the Uzbekfilm studio.

The meeting focused on achievements in national cinema, pressing challenges facing the industry and new directions for its development.

The Head of State emphasized that Uzbekfilm is a landmark studio where several generations of filmmakers have created works cherished by the public. Films such as The Whole Mahalla Is Talking About It, Days Gone By, The Mischievous Boy, Duel Under a Plane Tree and Suyunchi, along with their memorable characters, have remained in people’s hearts. These traditions continued during the years of independence with films such as Abdullajon, Fields Left by My Father, Dilhiroj, Homeland and Yurt.

“This studio embodies the history of our national cinema, the work of several generations of creative professionals, and the dreams, aspirations, and unfulfilled hopes of our people, all brought to life on screen”, the President said.

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 UZS were allocated from the state budget for film production in 2016, this year the figure reached 218 billion UZS. Over the past decade, total funding amounted to 1.2 trillion UZS.

Dozens of private film studios have entered the industry, and a new generation of domestic film professionals has emerged. Historical films such as Islamkhodja, Ibrat, Avloniy, Abdulla Qodiriy, The Wind of Kokand, Muqimi, Ilhaq, Uzbek Girl and Bahodir Yalangtush have been produced. Recently, Tashkent hosted its first ceremony honoring filmmakers from Central Asia and the Caucasus as part of the international Golden Globes film awards. At the event, actress Gulchehra Jamilova received the Golden Globes Meridian Award.

Alongside the achievements, the President also highlighted existing challenges. Despite the widespread belief that the rise of social media has led to declining cinema attendance, theaters continue to attract large audiences for foreign film screenings.

“This means that audiences have not turned away from films or going to the cinema. Only their tastes and expectations have changed”, the Head of State noted.

One of the obstacles preventing national films from meeting these expectations is the lack of a comprehensive distribution system covering the entire process from production to theatrical release. In addition, professional film critics’ opinions receive insufficient attention. The President emphasized that objective analysis would help filmmakers identify their shortcomings and improve their work.

The existing system of state commissions and procurement also fails to meet the requirements of the modern film industry. As many as six projects have been assigned to a single director at the same time, while individual screenwriters have been entrusted with up to seven. Nearly half of all commissions have been allocated to state-owned film studios, limiting opportunities for private filmmakers to compete on equal terms. It was noted that commissioning a film based on technical specifications, as though it were an ordinary product or construction project, is inappropriate, since scripts may be expanded and creative decisions revised during filming.

“In fact, the work of a creative professional should be judged by the film they produce, one that makes audiences think deeply and leaves a lasting impression on their hearts”, the President emphasized.

The Head of State noted that cinema helps nations better understand one another, while a country capable of effectively presenting its history, culture and national heroes on screens worldwide gains greater influence on the international stage. Today, cinema has become an instrument of soft power that strengthens a country’s international standing. It also plays an important role in shaping the minds and worldviews of the younger generation.

The President summed up the essence of the “Öz” (“Our Own”) concept in cinema as follows: “To understand our identity and tell the world our story in our own voice”. He also noted that, alongside great historical figures, films should authentically portray the lives of people around us today. It was emphasized that the lives of teachers, doctors, athletes, defenders of the homeland, entrepreneurs, construction workers and young people offer a wealth of material for creating compelling, emotionally powerful films.

“Let our children recognize themselves in these characters, believe in their own abilities and feel that they have a role to play in shaping the future of their homeland!” the Head of State emphasized.

To develop national cinema, the functions of industry management, financing and film production will be clearly separated. The Cinematography Agency will be abolished, and responsibility for implementing state policy in this field will be transferred to the Ministry of Culture. A Department of Cinematography will be established within the ministry, with its head holding a status equivalent to that of a deputy minister. Responsible officials have been instructed to establish the new department and complete the dissolution of the agency’s organizational structure within one month.

The state-owned Uzbekfilm studio will be transformed into the Uzbekfilm National Film Company, operating under a modern business model. The company will no longer produce films itself, as this function will be transferred entirely to the private sector. Instead, the national film company will select and finance projects, promote and distribute films, and bring them to international markets and film festivals. Instructions have been given to make the company operational within one week.

A subsidy-based support mechanism will replace the current system of state commissions for film production.

“From now on, the state will no longer act as a commissioner of films but as a reliable partner for creative professionals and the private sector”, the President emphasized.

Under the new system, priority will be given to the creative process and its requirements rather than technical specifications. Instructions have been issued to introduce a new financing mechanism within one month. Starting next year, an appropriate amount will be allocated annually from the state budget at the request of the National Film Company.

A unified film industry cluster, Uzbekfilm City, will be established on the 10-hectare grounds of the Uzbekfilm studio, bringing together a range of film production services. A total of 400 billion UZS will be allocated for this purpose. An additional 80 billion UZS will be provided for a modern Dubbing and Voice-Over Center to be built within the film city. Instructions have been given to prepare the master plan, design and cost-estimate documentation within two months and begin construction in March next year.

Another initiative to support film industry professionals was also announced. The Kohinur sanatorium in Quyichirchiq district, renovated to meet modern standards, will be made available to them. In addition, at least 300 industry professionals will receive free vouchers each year for rest and medical treatment at sanatoriums across the country.

A Film Scholars’ Club will be established to promote research, analysis and professional film criticism. The National Film Company will support its activities and facilitate its membership in the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI).

The Chamber of Filmmakers of Uzbekistan will be established by merging the Creative Union of Filmmakers of Uzbekistan and the Association of Film Industry Representatives of Uzbekistan. The Chamber will protect the copyrights and professional interests of creative professionals and support the professional development of young people. Opportunities for young filmmakers to improve their skills abroad will also be supported.

The President proposed strengthening the Uzbekfilm name as a unified brand for national cinema. An initiative was put forward to name a section of Chilanzar Street after Uzbekfilm and bring the Museum of Cinematography, the Palace of Cinema and the National Film Fund under the same name.

The Head of State then listened to the views of experienced filmmakers and young industry professionals. Emphasizing that all necessary conditions would be created for creative professionals and that their initiatives would receive support, the President noted that making good films requires dedicated work, patriotism and creativity inspired by love for one’s people.

“I believe in you. By drawing on our national identity and gaining a deep understanding of contemporary life, we can together open a new chapter in the history of our national cinema”, the President of Uzbekistan said.

UzA