PIB Delhi | 28 SEP 2023 | Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr L. Murugan, to lead an Indian Delegation to the Tashkent International Film Festival in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, this year. The participation in this film festival aims to foster
cinematic partnerships, facilitate the exchange of programs, nurture filmmaking, and serve as a cultural bridge. Known as the “Pearl of The Silk Road,” the Tashkent International Film Festival was inaugurated in 1968, with the Indian film “Amrapali” being featured in its inaugural edition.
Indian cinema has garnered global recognition since the early days, notably with the films of Shri Raj Kapoor, which resonated worldwide, particularly in Uzbekistan and the Central Asia region. The allure of Indian cinema endures, as our cultural storytelling and artistic expressions transcend borders, as exemplified by the song “Natu Natu” from the film “RRR” by Shri Rajamouli, which recently received the award for best song at the Golden Globe Awards, capturing the hearts of cinema enthusiasts worldwide.
The historical ties between Uzbekistan and India have been strengthened in recent years, in line with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. India has been proactive in co-producing films, sharing cinematic techniques and knowledge, and working towards building an inclusive film industry, aligning with the growth-oriented vision set by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. In its capacity as the presidency holder of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) this year, India hosted the SCO Film Festival in Mumbai in January 2023.
India’s participation in TIFFEST aligns with the theme set by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Youth Affairs & Sports, focusing on ‘Showcasing India’s Creative Economy.’ This theme is anticipated to foster engaging and constructive discussions.
As India endeavors to become a global content hub and establish a collaborative filmmaking ecosystem, the Tashkent International Film Festival will serve as a platform for cinematic partnerships between Uzbekistan and other participating nations. Additionally, incentives for foreign filmmakers will be highlighted to attract more talent to India.
The festival platform will also be utilized to promote this year’s edition of the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), scheduled from 20th to 28th November 2023 in Goa, India.
