History of Film festival in Tashkent Uzbekistan

History of Film festival in Tashkent Uzbekistan 

The Tashkent International Film Festival is one of the oldest film festivals in Asia, with a history dating back to the Soviet era. It was first held in 1968 and became a prominent cultural event, particularly during the USSR period, focusing on films from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Key Periods in the Festival's History:

Soviet Era (1968-1988)

The festival was known as the "Tashkent Festival of Cinemas of Asia, Africa, and Latin America."

It promoted films from developing nations and was seen as a platform for non-Western cinema during the Cold War.

Many well-known filmmakers from India, Iran, and Africa participated.

The festival stopped after 1988 due to political and economic changes following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Revival (1997, 2021-Present)

In 1997, Uzbekistan attempted to revive the festival but it remained largely inactive.

The major revival happened in 2021, when the festival was rebranded as the "Pearl of the Silk Road – Tashkent International Film Festival."

It now features global cinema, international guests, and modern film competitions.

The festival is held annually and includes screenings, masterclasses, and collaborations with international film industries.

Today, the Tashkent International Film Festival serves as a bridge between Eastern and Western cinema, celebrating Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage while fostering global film connections.