Zulfiqor Musoqov: “Uzbek cinema has gained worldwide recognition”

Perhaps no other art form has had as profound an impact as cinema in shaping and promoting spiritual values and national identity, and preserving them for future generations. On October 26, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Uzbekfilm studio and met with film industry professionals to discuss ongoing work in the sector and plans.

– I began my career in Uzbek cinema in the 1990s. During that period, films of varying quality were made, including outstanding works and less successful ones, – says renowned film director Zulfiqor Musoqov. – Between 1991 and 2019, more than 50 feature films were produced. Back then, our studio roof leaked, and we had to rent out our premises to raise enough money to make films. Yet we kept working despite those difficult conditions. Today, I can confidently say that Uzbek cinema has reached the international stage. Just look at the current state of Uzbekfilm: the studio looks magnificent and has everything it needs. At one of our meetings with the President, we were granted substantial tax benefits, and further measures are now being taken to implement even more far-reaching reforms.

I strongly believe in supporting young people’s desire to acquire knowledge and broaden their horizons in any field. However, some young men and women seek nothing but instant fame and easy money. I always tell my students, ‘If you have entered the world of cinema for the money, leave right now’. Audiences cannot be deceived, and time determines the true value of a good work of art. In a year or two, everything will become clear: will people want to watch the film again?

Promoting national identity doesn’t mean shutting ourselves away within four walls and repeatedly declaring, ‘No one is better than us’. Nor should we lose our national character by imitating others. Mentor Melis Abzalov used to say, ‘To express national identity truly, it must be deeply ingrained in a person’s consciousness and run in their blood’. Above all, one must be deeply devoted to one’s work.

Abdulaziz Rustamov, UzA