This year’s festival is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region, TuraNews.kz reports, citing AKIpress.
Among the attendees were Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Edil Baisalov, Deputy Minister of Culture Timurlan Azhymaliev, Mayor of Bishkek Aibek Dzhunushaliev, Director of the Cinematography Department Akzhol Bekbolotov, along with film experts from the CIS, among others.
Guests were greeted with a walk along the red carpet. Inside the Philharmonic’s main hall, attendees were treated to a promotional video of the festival and a video highlighting the history of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region.
In his address, Baisalov urged all participants to honor the memory of those who contributed to the formation of the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Region.
The Mayor of Bishkek expressed optimism that the festival would become a cherished tradition. He emphasized the city administration’s commitment to ensuring that culture, along with other sectors, remains a driving force.
The opening ceremony continued with a performance by the dance group of Atai Omurzakov.
Earlier announcements revealed that the festival expects over 70 guests from 26 countries and anticipates the participation of 200 filmmakers.
The festival’s program includes the screening of more than 30 films, 6 master classes, and an organized pitching event with a prize fund.
Furthermore, the festival program comprises Central Asian and international competitions, screenings of films from the “Retrospective” program, and panel discussions featuring filmmakers and cultural figures from around the globe.
