Photo of the forum organizers.
On December 2, the opening of the VII International Film Forum of Women Directors took place at the main building of Osh State University, as reported in a press release received by the editorial office.
This year's forum is dedicated to the People's Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic Gulsara Azhybekova and is held in support of a five-year program for the development of mountainous regions, as well as being timed to coincide with the International Mountain Day.
Dinara Kemelova, the special representative of the president for mountain region issues, delivered a welcoming speech and emphasized the importance of cultural initiatives that contribute to the development of women's potential in the arts and highlight the theme of mountainous regions. Rati Japariidze, head of the economic and environmental department of the OSCE Program Office in Bishkek, also addressed the forum participants, noting the high level of organization of the event.
Talant Tolobekov, head of the cinematography department at the Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy, congratulated the participants on the start of the forum and presented them with professional awards. The titles of "Excellence in Kyrgyz Cinema" were awarded to Aydai Chotueva and Zhanil Zhusupzhan, while Gulzhan Iresh and Anastasia Lysogorova received honorary certificates. Support for the forum was provided by both representatives of the Osh city administration and the leadership of Osh State University.
As part of the forum's opening, a creative meeting with Gulsara Azhybekova took place. The actress shared her memories of her career, discussed the significance of cinema in society, and answered questions from the audience.
Additionally, a book by journalist and publicist Zhamba Zhusubalieva titled "Klára Yusupzhanova" was presented, dedicated to the legacy of one of the first women directors in Kyrgyzstan.
The first day of the forum concluded with a master class on dramaturgy conducted by Gulzhan Toktogul, a young screenwriter and graduate of the American Film Institute (AFI). She discussed the process of writing scripts, creating female characters in cinema, and the principles of strong dramaturgy.
From December 3 to 4, 25 films will be presented as part of the film forum in two categories: "Women's Perspective," featuring works by directors from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, and "Environmental and Social Activism," which is being presented for the first time this year.
The VII International Film Forum of Women Directors is taking place from December 2 to 5 in Osh. Film screenings are scheduled at the "Semetey" cinema, while ceremonial events will be held at the main building of Osh State University. The forum is supported by the cinematography department of the Ministry of Culture, the OSCE Program Office in Bishkek, and with the assistance of Osh State University. The organizer and founder of the event is director Asel Juraeva.
