Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography opened its first branch abroad.

The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Aziz Abdukhakimov, Director General of the Agency of Cinematography Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Deputy Minister of Culture of Russia Olga Yarilova, Rector of VGIK Vladimir Malyshev and specialists in the field of cinematography. The opening ceremony was held within the framework of the Tashkent International Film Festival "Pearl of the Silk Road", revived at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan and organized by the Agency of Cinematography.

The All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography (VGIK) has opened its first branch abroad in Tashkent, Deputy Culture Minister Olga Yarilova said on Friday.

“Today is a unique event - the main film school of Russia for the first time opens its branch outside the Russian Federation. This branch receives a permanent residence permit here in Uzbekistan, in Tashkent. This is probably no coincidence, because for many years, many decades from the very beginning of the inception of Uzbek cinema, Russian directors and cameramen have contributed in every way to its development,” Yarilova said at the opening ceremony of the branch. According to her, the branch will continue these traditions.

Branch students will study in two specialties - "Drama" and "Producing". The educational process will begin on 1 November and will be conducted according to the plans of the institute, agreed with the Agency of Cinematography of Uzbekistan. 

Graduates of the university, who will study on the basis of a state grant, after graduation will be required to work for three years in local television and film companies, as well as enterprises in this field.