Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- European Film Festival will showcase 15 European masterpieces in Tashkent and Bukhara.

The programme offers 15 diverse European films, catering to different tastes, yet anchored in shared European identity. The films are screened in the original language with subtitles. Entrance to the European Film Festival is free of charge.

The 8th European Film Festival will take place in Tashkent and Bukhara cities from 30 September to 5 October in the framework of Tashkent International Film Festival “Pearl of Silk Road” (TIFF). The programme offers 15 diverse European films, catering to different tastes, yet anchored in shared European identity. The films are screened in the original language with subtitles. Entrance to the European Film Festival is free of charge.

"The European Film Festival is a highly anticipated event for cinema enthusiasts, promoting cultural unity and expanding horizons. By featuring acclaimed and award-winning European films, the programme of the festival in 2023, explores diverse array of global and European social themes, all of which hold relevance for Uzbekistan as well. Over past years, the festival has reached seven regions in Uzbekistan, captivating 20,000 viewers with 90 films from 20 European countries, bringing joy, stirring curiosity, and introducing the rich world of EU cinematography. Long live art and culture! ," points out H.E. Charlotte Adriaen, Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan. 

The European Film Festival programme features 15 films from directors representing films produced in such European countries as Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, and Ukraine. The films span various genres, from comedy and drama to animation and documentary, offering a diverse cinematic experience. These thought-provoking films delve into profound themes, such as ecological disasters, the challenges of aging and loneliness, complex father-child relationships, the struggles of being separated from one's parents, cultural differences, societal pressures, and the darker aspects of human nature.

The European Film Festival is taking place in two locations: at Yulduz Cinema (formerly Premier Hall Cinema) in Tashkent: screenings from 1 – 3 October and at Bukhara Cinema in Bukhara: screenings from 3 – 5 October.

Entry to the screenings is free of charge and on a “first-come, first-served” basis; no pre-registration is required.

All films will be shown in their original language with subtitles available in either Uzbek or Russian languages. For specific screening subtitle information, please refer to the festival programme.

Festival highlights include:

"My Thoughts Are Silent" (Ukraine, 2019) - recognized at various film festivals for its unique storyline and performances.

"Luzzu" (Malta, 2021) that has received critical acclaim and won awards at the Sundance Film Festival, including the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting.

"Sanremo" (Slovenia, Italy, 2020) that has been praised for its emotional depth and storytelling.

“Dilili in Paris" (France, 2018) - the animated film by Michel Ocelot that has been appreciated for its animation and storytelling.

"Tales of the Night" (France, 2011) is a visually stunning animated film that has received recognition at animation festivals.

"Marry Me" (Belgium, 2014) that has been featured at various international film festivals and have received recognition.

The 15th Tashkent International Film Festival “Pearl of Silk Road” is held in order to preserve and develop the age-old traditions of national cinematography, further develop cultural and educational activities in Uzbekistan. The revival of the famous Tashkent International Film Festival, as well as ensuring the implementation of the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated 7 April 2021, No. UP-6202 “On measures to raise the cinema art and film industry to a qualitatively new level and further improve the system of state support for the industry”.