As part of the forum, screenings of competitive and non-competitive films were held, along with creative meetings with authors, lectures, and master classes. Special attention was given to the Umut Industry platform, where educational sessions, project presentations, and pitching of short fiction films took place.
As a result of the competitive screenings, laureates were determined for both the national and international competitions.
Winners' Names
International Competition:- Best Film - "Seagulls over Golgotha," directed by Lia Karapetyan (Armenia).
- Best Director - Nurlan Hasanli for the film "Early Feelings" (Azerbaijan).
- Special Jury Prize "For Bright Embodiment of Image" in the film "What Have You Done, Zarina?" - actress Yenlik Kozyke (Kazakhstan).
- Hope Prize / Umut Prize - "Happiness to You, Human," directed by Irina Bolshova (Russia/Kalmykia).
- Special Jury Mention - film "Patience," directed by Zafar Khadzhiboiev (Uzbekistan).
- Certificate from the Union of Cinematographers of Kyrgyzstan - "Clown," directed by Akhadzhon Okhunov (Uzbekistan).
- Best Film - "Balık," directed by Tolomush Janibekov (Kyrgyzstan - France).
- Best Director - Daniyar Abirov for "Obonchu" (Kyrgyzstan).
- Special Jury Prize - "Toolor, Meni Kuchaktagyla," directed by Gulzhan Iresh (Kyrgyzstan).
- Special Jury Prize - "Gulbara," directed by Aiperi Ryspekova (Kyrgyzstan).
- Hope Prize / Umut Prize - "Words of Baydyl," directed by Nurkanat Kubatov (Kyrgyzstan).
- The short film project "Ultrasound" by director Anastasia Lysogorova and producer Aiturgan Ainakulova received financial support of 400,000 soms from the Department of Cinematography under the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic.
- Funding for the full realization of the film "You and I" by director Aliya Makeshova and producer Aizhan Nazaralieva was allocated by the national film studio "Kyrgyzfilm" named after T. Okiev.
- The short film project "Accomplice" by directors and producers Aisha Kamchibekova and Aizhan Jumabaeva received 200,000 soms from the Department of Cinematography.
- Financial support of 50,000 soms was allocated to the project "Gesture" by director Said Kasimov and producer Darya Baidakova.
“The 'Umut' forum this year was held in an inspiring environment, bringing together young directors and film enthusiasts,” said forum representative Marazhabbay kyzy Asel. “Participants shared their works, experiences, and new ideas. It became a platform for creative dialogue and new acquaintances. Many laureates noted that this forum marked the beginning of their careers in cinema. The XIII forum 'Umut' once again confirmed its significance for the development of young cinema.”
Jury member of the national competition Mekhman Fatullayev emphasized that such events are a pride and success for the capital and young cinema.
“There are many prestigious festivals, but the 'Umut' forum is exactly the platform that young filmmakers need to develop,” noted Fatullayev. “It is focused on the CIS countries and the Turkic world, which is its real achievement. I wish the forum many more years and hope that more new talents will emerge here,” he added.
Forum organizer Elvira Mamytova shared that this year the event became more professionally oriented thanks to Umut Industry.
“Our goal is to support authors at all stages of their work. We help develop and create projects, as well as promote finished films and find audiences for them. This comprehensive approach allows us to fulfill the main task of the forum - to provide comprehensive support for the creativity of young filmmakers. We hope that we have achieved this again this year,” concluded Mamytova.
