Cholpon-Ata (TDI): Kyrgyzstan strengthened its international profile by hosting the first International Film Festival of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states from July 16 to 19, bringing together filmmakers, industry experts and official delegations from across the SCO region.
Held at the Rukh Ordo Cultural Center to mark the 25th anniversary of the SCO, the festival welcomed participants from Kyrgyzstan, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iran and Belarus, making it the country’s largest international film event to date.
Each participating country screened one feature film, while an international jury, chaired by renowned Kyrgyz filmmaker Ernest Abdyzhaparov, selected the winners.
The festival’s Grand Prix was awarded to the Kyrgyz film “Kara Kyzyl Sary” (Black, Red, Yellow), giving the host nation a symbolic victory at the inaugural event.
Other major awards included Best Cinematography for Russia’s Angels of Ladoga, Best Screenplay for Kazakhstan’s Autumn Breeze, and Best Director for China’s Lan Hongchun for Dear You. Acting honours went to performers from the Tajik-Iranian production Fish on the Hook and the Iranian film The Player.
Read More: SCO Media and Think Tanks Forum Concludes in Bishkek
Beyond the awards, the festival served as a platform for discussions on strengthening regional film cooperation. Delegates explored proposals for establishing a common SCO film market, expanding co-productions and creating a dedicated co-production fund to finance joint filmmaking projects among member states.
Participants also discussed cooperation between film schools, training programs for young filmmakers and technical exchanges aimed at improving production standards across the region.
Iranian jury member Ruhollah Hosseini added a personal note to the closing ceremony by expressing hope for peace in his country before presenting an award.
Hosting the festival also reinforced Kyrgyzstan’s role as the current SCO chair, with Issyk-Kul increasingly serving as a venue for major SCO events. The festival complemented the organization’s political and economic agenda by promoting cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges.
Organizers also highlighted the tourism and investment potential of the Issyk-Kul region, where visiting filmmakers explored the area’s mountains, historical sites and filming locations that could attract future international productions.
Read More: SCO Marks 25 Years with Photo Exhibition in Bishkek
Observers say the long-term success of the festival will depend on whether proposals such as the SCO co-production fund and regional filmmaking partnerships are implemented, potentially laying the foundation for a more integrated film industry across SCO member states.
