Photo: Courtesy of the Bishkek International Film Festival Organizers
The opening ceremony of the 3rd Bishkek International Film Festival took place at the Kyrgyz National Philharmonic Hall, according to the press service of the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The event began with a parade of film industry representatives from 26 countries along a sky-blue carpet, a symbolic feature of the festival.
In his welcome address, Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, Mirbek Mambetaliev, noted that the Bishkek International Film Festival is being held for the third time in a short period and has already gained significance in the Central Asian region. According to him, the festival is poised to become “the cultural face” of Kyrgyzstan and a national brand.
The ceremony’s guest of honor was renowned Italian actor and director Michele Placido, who received a special award for his legendary contribution to cinema. Other notable guests included British actor Dominic West (known for 300 and John Carter), Japanese actor Shinnosuke Abe (from the series Shōgun), Hollywood cinematographer and director Andrzej Bartkowiak (Romeo Must Die, Cradle 2 the Grave), and French screenwriter and actor Bibi Naceri (District B13, The Nest).
The festival was officially declared open by Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Adylbek Kasymaliev.
The Bishkek International Film Festival aims to strengthen cooperation in cinema and promote Kyrgyzstan and the broader Central Asian region on the global film stage. Organizers emphasize that the festival serves not only as a professional platform but also as a key cultural event that brings together audiences and film professionals. The event is expected to stimulate the development of national cinema and attract international investment to the industry.
The festival runs through June 15. Its program includes screenings of more than 30 feature and documentary films, seven expert-led master classes, and a pitching session offering prize funds for emerging filmmakers.
