― 18 июля 2025 г.
TURKSOY brought the Turkic World together through the art of cinema
The meeting, held in Istanbul with the aim of strengthening cooperation in the field of cinema, which sheds light on the common history, culture and art of the Turkic World, provided an important platform for cultural dialogue under the leadership of TURKSOY.
TURKSOY, which views cinema as a powerful narrative language that preserves the memory of peoples, continues its efforts to support joint productions, encourage young filmmakers, and establish new platforms in this field. This meeting, which TURKSOY General Secretary Sultan Raev also attached special importance to, brought together cinema representatives from Turkic World countries under one roof.
In his speech, Birol Güven, Director General of Turkish Cinema, said, “I am delighted to see you here. We are in a very special week, holding important events. On July 15th, we screened the film ‘Zero Point’ from Palestine at Atlas Cinema. We felt the power of cinema; a film conveyed what millions could not express. I sincerely congratulate this achievement. Our shared cultural heritage, geography, and history are the foundation of our contribution to cinema. We must develop cinema and produce stronger joint projects. Today's meeting is a very valuable step in this regard. I would like to especially thank the Secretary General for making this meeting possible."
The Deputy Director General of Cinema in Azerbaijan Mr. Gurban Primov said, “We are here and we are very happy to be part of this unity. We are ready to contribute to joint productions in the field of cinema, to produce together and to strengthen cooperation in this field. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this event.”
Mr. Cumagalı Kurmanbek, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Cinema Support Centre of Kazakhstan, who also delivered a speech at the event said: “TURKSOY is a very large organisation. We are united not only by our common language but also by common projects. As Kazakhstan, we support this process. The unification of the Turkic World is one of our priorities. We have a historical responsibility in this regard. Today's meeting plays an important role in shaping the common future of the Turkic world. Under the leadership of our Minister of Culture, we are providing various forms of support in the field of cinema. We also attach great importance to TURKSOY's work within the framework of international projects.‘
In the speech he deliveret at the event, Mr. Ulan Adamaliyev, the Director General of Cinema in Kyrgyzstan said: ’First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for organising this event. Today, Kyrgyz cinema is experiencing a true film renaissance. Approximately 50-60 feature films are produced each year, and these films are not only screened in Kyrgyzstan but also in other countries. The film “Paradise Lies Beneath the Feet of Mothers” is a pioneering production in this regard and has been screened in 12 countries. Between 12 and 16 film festivals are held each year, with active participation from international filmmakers. Cinema is a comprehensive art which brings together all other forms of art. A single film is the result of the efforts of thousands of people. This once again demonstrates the unifying power of cinema and the importance of cooperation."
Mr. Shukratulla Rizaev, the Head of the Uzbekistan Republic Cinematography Agency, said: “We would like to note that the Korkut Ata Film Festival held in the city of Shusha, Azerbaijan, was very successful. Producing joint film projects is of great importance to us. On December 25th, 2025, we established the Association of Turkic World Filmmakers in Tashkent with the support of TURKSOY. Subsequently, we created a joint media platform in Samarkand under the auspices of the Islamic Civilisation Centre and exchanged ideas. Now is the time to bring these ideas to life and take more active steps.”
Sahısalıh Bayramov, the Deputy Chairman of the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio, and Cinematography and President of the ‘Oğuz Han’ Turkmen Film Association, said in his speech, “Turkic states share the same religion and language. Such meetings are of great importance to us. Last year marked the 300th anniversary of Magtumguly’s birthday along with the designation of the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World. Within this framework, many important projects were implemented. Thanks to the active efforts of the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, a film about Magtumguly’s life was produced. This film continues to win awards at international festivals. Additionally, Turkmenistan film crews have travelled to other Turkic states to carry out joint film projects. I would like to thank all countries for their contributions. Work is continuing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Turkmenistan cinema in 2026. I would like to take this opportunity to invite you all in advance."
