News

Maiden Uzbek Film Festival Launched at WTC Mumbai

Apr 21, 2018

H. E. Mr. Farhod Arziev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to India inaugurated the first Uzbek Film Festival in Mumbai at World Trade Centre Mumbai on April 21, 2018. The Film Festival was organised by The Embassy of Uzbekistan in India in collaboration with ‘Uzbekkino’ National Agency of Uzbekistan, World Trade Centre Mumbai, Dimaz Group and Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA). The Embassy of Uzbekistan is holding this event after successfully organising similar events in Delhi and Kolkatta.

The Film Festival kicked off with the screening of an Uzbek movie ‘Deceived Woman’, which was translated in English for the local audience and was also subtitled in English. The film depicted the struggle of an Uzbek woman who was duped into indoctrination an introduced into Jihad and terrorism. The story recounts her ordeal in the terrorist camps before she was rescued by Embassy of Uzbekistan.

The event was graced by Ms. Lola Eltaeva, renowned actress of Uzbek Film Industry. Other dignitaries who attended the event were Mr. Shukhratulla Rizaev, First Deputy of Director National Agency ‘Uzbekkino’, Shri Ramesh Meer, Joint Secretary, Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association and Mr Manish Synghal, Chairman and MD, Dimaz Group.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Ms. Rupa Naik, Senior Director, World Trade Centre Mumbai pointed out that this is the first film festival of Uzbekistan organised by World Trade Centre Mumbai. On behalf of World Trade Centre Mumbai, Ms. Naik expressed delight for holding this event and expressed hope to see more such cultural events on Uzbekistan in Mumbai in future. Media and entertainment industry is growing in leaps and bounds. Already, many film stars from Uzbekistan have been participating in film festivals organised in India. In future, both the countries can look forward to exchange of trade delegations from this industry, Ms. Naik added.

Speaking at the event, H. E. Mr. Arziev said, “This Film Festival is part of the ongoing cultural partnership of Uzbekistan with India. Uzbekistan enjoys centuries-old deep and friendly relations with India. I hope this event will further bolster cultural relations between the two nations.” H. E. Mr. Arziev invited Indians to visit Uzbekistan and enjoy the picturesque landscape and hospitality of the local people.

In his remarks, Mr. Rizaev pointed out that although India and Uzbekistan have centuries-old relations, this is the first time Uzbek Film Festival is organised in India. Highlighting the linguistic and cultural similarities between India and Uzbekistan, Mr. Rizaev took the names of great Uzbek writers who have written books about the culture of India. He also mentioned that in the past, film industries of both the countries have co-produced notable movies such as ‘Alibaba And 40 Thieves’. Mr. Rizaev mentioned some of the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed by Uzbekkino with the film industry in India for co-producing feature films.

He concluded his remarks by raising hope that the film industries of both the countries will explore new vistas of co-operation in the days ahead with the support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in India.

Sharing his views on the occasion, Mr Synghal emphasized the significance of promoting Uzbekistan as a preferred shooting spot for Indian movies. He informed about the latest Bollywood movie ‘Tashkent Files’, starring Naseeruddin Shah and Mithun Chakraborty. The film was shot at Uzbekistan.

Addressing the event, Mr. Meer invited the Uzbek film industry to explore the Indian market. He pointed out that India is a promising market for foreign film industry, whether it is Russian, Chinese or Uzbek. He substantiated this by pointing to the overwhelming response that IMPPA used to receive for its Global Content Market organised at World Trade Centre Mumbai every year.

Mr. Anil Velde, Joint Director, World Trade Centre Mumbai proposed the vote of thanks for the event.

The Film Festival was attended by consular corps, artists and film producers, besides other officials from the media and entertainment industry.

In Photo: Ms. Rupa Naik, Senior Director, MVIRDC World Trade Centre Mumbai felicitating H. E. Mr. Farhod Arziev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to India.