From September 17 to 26, South Korea hosted the 30th Busan International Film Festival — the largest film forum in Asia and Oceania.
This year, Kyrgyzstan was represented in several sections of the event. The film Kurak by directors Erke Zhumakmatova and Emil Atageldiev received two awards — the Bangladesh July Memorial Prize and the Kim Jiseok Award.
Other Kyrgyz filmmakers also took part in different programs. Samara Sagynbaeva presented her film Koop konguroosu in the “Wide Angle” section, Tomiris Orozoeva’s project Ubakyt chölündö (In the Desert of Time) was accepted into the Busan Asian Film School, and Dastan Japar Ryskeldi showcased his work Böböktöy ileshkek (Clinging Like a Child) at the Asian Project Market.
In addition, the Bishkek International Film Festival partnered with the Asian Vision competition, where it awarded a special prize to Indonesian director Reza Rahadian for his film Kuchagynda oturuu (Sitting in an Embrace).
Kyrgyzstan’s participation in the anniversary edition of the festival became a notable achievement, further strengthening the international presence of the country’s cinema.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
September 26, 2025