Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, represented India at the grand inauguration of the 15th Tashkent International Film Festival held on September 29. The Indian delegation included esteemed senior film producer and director, Shri Umesh Mehra, along with officials from the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC). India and Uzbekistan share a rich tradition of collaborative filmmaking dating back to the Soviet era, and the NFDC and Uzbek Kino (Uzbek Films) are poised to strengthen these historical ties through joint endeavors.
Dr. Murugan had a productive meeting with Mr. Ozodbek Nazarbekov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Culture & Tourism, during which both nations acknowledged their enduring friendship and cooperation. They mutually recognized the importance of expanding bilateral relations in various domains, particularly within the realms of filmmaking and culture.
Dr. Murugan seized the opportunity to acquaint the Uzbek side with India’s remarkable strides in the audio-visual sector, which have been facilitated by the Indian government’s robust policies aimed at fortifying the nation’s creative economy under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Dr. Murugan extended offers of collaboration in co-production, shooting, and post-production activities. India is also eager to extend training opportunities to Uzbek filmmakers and students at renowned institutions such as the Films and Television Institute of India (FTII).
Furthermore, on the sidelines of the Film Festival, Dr. Murugan engaged with the Turkish delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Culture & Tourism, Dr. B. Mumcu. The Turkish delegation was briefed on the exceptional shooting prospects available in India and the state-of-the-art technical infrastructure accessible for filmmaking in the country. This exchange lays the foundation for potential collaborations between India and Turkey in the dynamic realms of cinema and culture.
