The 10th European Film Festival in Uzbekistan: A Decade of Cultural Dialogue Through Cinema

Over time the European Film Festival has grown into one of the most anticipated cultural events in Uzbekistan - bringing together more than 30,000 spectators, over 110 films from 22 EU Member States, and expanding across nine regions of the country. Since its establishment in 2013, the festival has embodied the spirit of cultural exchange, artistic cooperation, and shared values between Europe and Uzbekistan. This year, screenings will be held in Tashkent from 7 to 9 November and on 12 November in Termez, continuing the Festival’s mission.

“The European Film Festival is more than a series of screenings - it is a celebration of shared stories that connect people beyond borders. Through the eyes of European filmmakers, we see how close our experiences and emotions truly are. For ten years, the festival has brought Europe closer to Uzbekistan, reaching new regions and audiences, and becoming a vibrant symbol of cultural exchange and friendship. I warmly thank the Uzbekistan Agency for Cinematography, State Academy of Choreography of Uzbekistan and the Embassies of EU Member States for their cooperation and commitment to making this festival a true Team Europe success.”

- Toivo Klaar, Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan

“The European Film Festival is an opportunity to look at contemporary cinema from a different angle: to see how European directors work with image, composition, and the rhythm of storytelling. European cinema has always been distinguished by its attention to detail, sincerity, and respect for the audience. Such screenings are a chance to understand one another without words—through the language of art”.

- Shukhrat Rizaev, Director of Cinematography Agency under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Initially launched in Tashkent, the Festival has since reached audiences in Navoi, Nukus, Shakhrisabz, Fergana, Urgench, Djizak, Bukhara, and other cities - strengthening regional engagement and access to European cinema. Educational and creative initiatives such as the EU-FOCUS Cinema Laboratory on Documentary Filmmaking (2020) and the EU-FOCUS Film Camp (2023–2024) with open masterclasses by renowned European film directors and experts have contributed to nurturing a new generation of Uzbek filmmakers and promoting professional exchange.

The programme of the Film Festival 2025 features 12 outstanding films from 12 European countries, spanning genres from animation and documentary to drama and comedy — offering diverse reflections on the human experience, memory, choice, and hope.

The opening film, Latvia’s “Flow” (Gints Zilbalodis), has achieved exceptional international recognition - winning the 2025 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, the Golden Globe for Best Animated Motion Picture, and multiple awards at Annecy 2024, including the Jury Award, Audience Award, Gan Foundation Award for Distribution, and Best Original Music. Created entirely with open-source software Blender and without dialogue, “Flow” is a poetic parable of resilience and companionship, telling the story of a solitary cat who learns to trust and cooperate with others in a post-flood world.

The programme also features a series of side events showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of European culture. On 6-7 November, the Spanish dance company “Aire Nuevo Danza” will give a master class followed by their captivating show “De Ayer a Hoy” at the State Academy of Choreography of Uzbekistan. Designed for audiences of all ages, the performance presents some of the most celebrated pieces from the Spanish classical repertoire while blending traditional and contemporary elements to reflect the dynamic spirit of today’s globalized Spanish culture. In addition, an amateur short film screening will take place at the Alliance Française of Tashkent, jointly organized with the Goethe-Institut, offering a platform for emerging filmmakers and highlighting creative collaboration between European cultural institutions in Uzbekistan.

For the detailed programme and screening schedule, please consult the official page of the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan.

--

Information for Audiences

• Venue: Alisher Navoi National Palace of Cinematic Arts (Panorama), Tashkent
• Screening dates: 7–9 November in Tashkent; 12 November in Termez
• Free entry
• Language: Films are shown in the original language with Uzbek and/or Russian subtitles 

About the European Union

The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 European countries, founded on common values: respect for democracy, human rights, fundamental freedoms, , equality, and the rule of law. The EU actively supports sustainable development, education, and cultural cooperation around the world, including in Uzbekistan.

Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Uzbekistan
International Business Center, Amir Temur Avenue, 107B, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tel.: +998 (78) 120-16-01/02/03/04
E-mail: delegation-uzbekistan@eeas.europa.eu