#IFFIWood, 27 November 2022

Uzbekistan is keen to collaborate with Indian filmmakers for making movies in their country. The Central Asian republic is keen to host film industry stakeholders belonging to national and vernacular language film industry, for shooting in their country. Yes, Indian filmmakers have received this warm invitation to add to the breadth, depth and richness of its films, by leveraging the architectural, religious and natural destinations of the country, including its mosques, mausoleums and other sites.

The invitation has been extended by Dr. Barno Ungboeva, Adviser to the Director General of Cinematography Agency of Uzbekistan, at an IFFI Table Talks, held during 53^rd edition of IFFI, the International Film Festival of India, in Goa today.  She was accompanied by renowned film directors from Uzbekistan Khilal Nasimov and Lazizbk Temirov; and Producer Atabek Khodjiev. Alam Sarfaraz who is a line producer in Uzbekistan was also present.

“We have Bollywood films which were screened in Tashkent Film Festival. We have also extended our reach to other Indian film industries in India, such as the Tamil, Telugu and Bengali film industry”, said Barno Ungboeva.

She informs that students from West Bengal have been invited to participate in a 5-day filmmaking competition in the Tashkent International Film Festival. “We have invited Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandana to showcase their films in the next edition of the festival and they have agreed to it.”

Bollywood films and hindi film-songs are very popular in their country, informs Uzbek Director Khilal Nasimov. “We grew up listening to Indian music and watching Indian movies, including by Raj Kapoor, Hema Malini and Shah Rukh Khan, to name a few. We love them all. They are a super-emotional part of our lives”.

Producer Atabek Khodjiev extended invitation for Indian film-makers to visit Uzbekistan’s film institute and to enter into collaboration for film-shooting in their country. “We want the India - Uzbekistan friendship to stay as strong as forever”.

A film delegation from India, led by NFDC MD Ravinder Bhakar was present at the XIV Tashkent International Film Festival this year. New steps were signed with Uzbekistan for collaboration and  coproduction.

* * *

PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Dheep/ Sriyanka/ Darshana | IFFI 53 - 149

Follow us on social media:@PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai    /pibmumbai  pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai    /pibmumbai