This platform is provided by the annual "Umut" forum, which supports young filmmakers. This year, the event will showcase 18 films, including works by authors from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and other countries. For many participants, this will be their first opportunity to present their creations to a wide audience and receive feedback.
Some now-famous directors, such as Asel Zhuraeva and Ruslan Akun with their films "The Last Lesson" and "In Search of Mom," as well as Russian director Elizaveta Stishova, also began their journeys at this festival.
The forum will last until March 7 and, in addition to film screenings, includes master classes from professionals, meetings, and pitch sessions for short fiction films. Participants will have the chance to learn new skills and establish valuable contacts for future projects.
The main events of the forum take place at the Ch. Aitmatov Cinema House and include competitive and non-competitive screenings, as well as discussions with the authors. Umut Industry, which is the educational part of the forum, takes place at the "Oloolo-Erkindik" coworking space and offers lectures, master classes, and professional meetings aimed at supporting the younger generation and developing the industry.
The slogan of the year is "With Love from Paris." The forum is dedicated to the work of the People's Artist of Kyrgyzstan Dogdurbek Kydyraliev and film scholar Seyit Bokonbaev. On March 6, there will be a meeting with Seyit Janayevich Bokonbaev, who is a well-known film critic and educator.
