Uzbekistan to create a Film Scholars Club and a Chamber of Representatives of the Film Sector; Oʻzbekfilm to become a unified brand

Two new structures in the film industry

In Uzbekistan, following an open dialogue, a decree has been signed providing for a package of changes in the film industry, reports Zamon.uz. Among the key initiatives are the creation of a Film Scholars Club and a Chamber of Representatives of Uzbekistan's Film Sector. The club's activities will be supported by the national film company Oʻzbekfilm, and the club will be assisted in joining the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI); this is expected to expand the participation of national films in prestigious international festivals.

The Chamber of Representatives and deadlines

The Chamber of Representatives of the film sector will be created by merging the Union of Cinematographers of Uzbekistan with associations of representatives of the country's film industry. According to the publication, it will deal with protecting copyright and the professional interests of creative workers, developing self-governance in the industry, and facilitating the professional growth of young specialists. Also provided for are advanced training of young filmmakers abroad and financial and organizational support for the chamber. The work on organizing its activities is to be completed within one month.

Artificial intelligence in film production

To bring the national film industry to a new stage of technological development, a cooperation program is planned for the broad use of artificial intelligence capabilities in filmmaking. The document, it is reported, is also intended to be prepared within one month. The program provides for the development of new educational programs, training of specialists, and their advanced training abroad.

Oʻzbekfilm as a unified brand

A separate block of initiatives concerns establishing the name Oʻzbekfilm as the unified brand of the national film industry. It was noted that part of the Chilanzar district has long been popularly called Oʻzbekfilm, and it was proposed to assign this name to the corresponding part of the present-day Chilanzar Street. In addition, it was proposed to rename the Museum of Cinematic Arts to the Oʻzbekfilm Museum, the Palace of Cinematic Arts to the Oʻzbekfilm Cinema, and the National Film Fund to the Oʻzbekfilm National Film Fund, uniting these institutions under one brand.

Outcomes of the dialogue and significance of the decisions

Following the open dialogue, it was announced that important directions for the development of national cinema had been identified and a decree signed providing for the proposed changes. The president emphasized that the initiatives of creative workers would be supported, noting the importance of creating conditions for producing quality films, as well as honest work, patriotism, and creativity with love for the people. For the industry, these decisions mean the emergence of new representative structures with specific deadlines (one month for the chamber and one month for preparing the AI program), and for audiences and filmmakers, the unification of infrastructure under the Oʻzbekfilm brand. It is not yet specified in the publications how exactly the activities of the club and the chamber will be financed beyond the mentioned financial and organizational support.