Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- An opening ceremony of the XV Tashkent International Film Festival “Pearl of the Silk Road” was held in the capital’s House of Cinematographers

Famous figures of world and Uzbek cinema, contestants, as well as delegations of participating countries walked along the red carpet at the opening ceremony. The special guest of the gala evening was the French actor Frederic Diefenthal, star of the film “Taxi”. He appeared before the audience in the Uzbek national costume and danced the Andijan polka.

The winners of the National Film Competition were also awarded at the ceremony. Famous names such as Khoshim Arslonov, Rano Shodieva, Ali Khamraev, Kamara Kamalova and Zulfikar Musakov were again recognized among the best figures of Uzbek cinema.

The Film Festival will last until 2 October and it is expected that more than 300 guests from 52 countries will take part in it.