The roundtable was attended by local and international cinema professionals. Local participants included: Akbar Hakimov, an academician, doctor of arts and the director of Tashkent International Festival of Contemporary Cinema; film directors Jakhongir Kasymov, Rustam Sagdiyev, Ayub Shakhobitdinov and Nozim Tulahojayev, film experts Nigora Karimova and Elmira Hasanova; producer Tursunboy Halikov; actors Murod Rajabov, Ulugbek Kadyrov, Farrukh Soipov, Alisher Uzoqov, Erkin Komilov, Ubaidulla Omon, Yodgor Sagdiyev, actress Dilonoza Kubayeva, heads of film studios Avaz Tojikhonov and Azam Qodirov among others.

International participants included Peggi Chiao, producer, film critic and jury member of over 50 international film festivals (China); Zhou Qiyue, film director and script writer (China); Luciano Rispoli, audiovisual cooperation attaché with the Embassy of France in Turkey; Eric Aubert, cultural attaché of the Embassy of France in Uzbekistan; Svetlana Hohryakova, film critic, member of “Nika” National Academy of Cinematography Art, member of the Russian Union of Cinematographers (Russia); Gulnara Abikeyeva, film expert, film critic, art director of Eurasia Film Festival and author of five books on cinema in Kazakhstan and Central Asia (Kazakhstan); Valeriy Nikolayev, film director, film and theater actor (Russia); and prominent Spanish actress Irene Visedo among others.

The roundtable participants also included the group which worked on the development, preliminary research and organizational issues relating to the preparations for Tashkent International Festival of Contemporary Cinema, which will be held in September this year. The Working Group developed the Festival’s concept, general rules and its ‘Golden Cheetah’ statuette, which will be awarded in categories such as Best Film, Best Director, Best Female Role and Best Male Role. On April 15, the Working Group had held a conference during which it selected short-film scripts written by young film directors. Some of the selected scripts may be presented at the upcoming cinema festival.

The roundtable also discussed the role of film festivals in the development of world cinema as well as the role of festivals as the crossroads of traditions and national specifics of cinema in different countries and different cultures. More specifically, those gathered focused on the upcoming Tashkent International Festival of Contemporary Cinema to be held in September this year.

Pegge Chiao, producer and film critic (China):

“I believe this sort of festivals is crucial as they help promote the cultures of the countries where they are held. For example, the festival of documentary films in Yamakato and the Film Festival in Pusan became internationally known and put the spotlight on the cultures and festivities there. Tashkent Festival which will be held soon is a good way to promote your history, culture and your beautiful cities.”

Valeriy Nikolayev, actor and film director (Russia):

“I want to say thank you to the Fund Forum for the opportunity to participate in this festival. The most important thing in our work is to make sure that our creations are watched by the audience and effect them in a positive way. Besides drama, action and thrillers, there’s one important genre, which is life films that the general audience is interested in. I’m convinced that the festival in Tashkent will become a key platform for film making in the region.”

Jakhongir Kasymov, film director (Uzbekistan):

“It is great news that such an important film festival will soon be held in Tashkent. And it is amazing that we are now being asked how we would like to be held, our opinions and feedback. Any festival contributes to the efforts to promote national cinema. And that stimulates one to work harder and to make sure his or her creation earns high ratings. Therefore this festival will be fully supported by cinematographers.”