Central Asia

Independent Films Go to International Festivals

With the support of Friedrich Naumann Foundation Tashkent Film School released 10 films, part of them is going to international film festivals in Europe next year.

Tashkent Film School, in partnership with FNF, stands out as a key supporter of independent filmmakers in Central Asia, addressing critical issues like human rights, gender, and migration. In Uzbekistan's restrictive media environment, it provides a rare platform where filmmakers, producers, and activists can screen films and engage in discussions about freedom, equality, and social change.

One of the most impactful initiatives supported by the FNF this year is Women Watch Uzbekistan, a project dedicated to elevating the voices of women filmmakers from Central Asia. Through this project, ten selected film projects led by women directors and producers from across the region are given mentorship, resources, and guidance from internationally experienced filmmakers. This program enables them to work on films that explore identity, gender roles, and the lived experiences of women in modern-day Uzbekistan and Central Asia.

With a focus on artistic diversity, Women Watch Uzbekistan accepts submissions across various genres, including narrative, documentary, animated, and experimental films in early-stage development or production. During a six-week intensive program, mentors from Tashkent Film School guide each team in shaping their film vision, building a “producer’s package,” and developing a strategic plan for financing and distribution. The program’s end result is a collection of insightful short films that confront themes of identity, the role of women in society, and what it means to live in an independent Uzbekistan.

These films serve not only as powerful creative works but also as tools for social reflection, allowing audiences to see the region through the unique perspectives of women filmmakers.

Tashkent Film School’s mission goes beyond filmmaking; it provides an inclusive platform for dialogue on some of the most urgent issues facing Central Asia. The school offers a unique space where artists, activists, and citizens can engage in open discussions on freedom, rights, and equality—topics often considered sensitive in the region. The freedom to openly address these subjects is invaluable, as it encourages a deeper understanding of complex issues and promotes a culture of empathy and awareness. Through its workshops, film screenings, and discussions, Tashkent Film School fosters an environment where independent voices can address gender equality, human rights, and decolonial issues—topics that are critical yet often underrepresented in mainstream Central Asian media.

By fostering a safe space for artistic and critical expression, Tashkent Film School is changing the cultural landscape of Uzbekistan, encouraging creative exploration that addresses complex social realities. Many of the films that emerge from the school deal with identity, freedom, and gender, themes that resonate deeply with Central Asian audiences and prompt meaningful discussions.

Unfortunately, recent years have brought challenges to independent organizations in Central Asia, as many American and European funds have begun withdrawing support from the region. This shift threatens the sustainability of crucial projects like Tashkent Film School, which relies on external support to continue its mission of fostering social dialogue through independent cinema. Without continued backing from international foundations, fewer platforms may remain where freedom, human rights, gender equality, and decolonial discussions can take place openly and safely.

In partnership with the FNF, Tashkent Film School remains a beacon of creative freedom, an advocate for human rights, and an incubator for critical thought in Central Asia. Through projects like Women Watch Uzbekistan, the school supports the voices of underrepresented groups, addressing vital issues with courage and creativity.

Follow Tashkent Film School on Instagram for updates on their projects: Instagram.