Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - A forum was held in Tashkent dedicated to the development of proposals for the creation of a Concept for the Development of Cinematography until 2030, as well as the Law on Cinematography. In addition, the participants of the event expressed ideas on creating high-quality domestic films demanded by the audience.

The circle of topics discussed is due to the initiatives of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, voiced during the Address to the Oliy Majlis on 24 January. The Head of the Republic noted that in the field of cinematography it is necessary to ensure the development of the modern film industry, the construction of new cinemas, and the creation of highly artistic works.

“This year, the cinema production system based on state orders will be improved. In this regard, it is necessary to develop a Concept for the development of the cinema industry until 2030 and the Law on Cinematography,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

The forum participants - domestic directors, producers, representatives of public and private film studios and actors shared their opinions and comments on these large-scale issues.

Speaking at the forum, the Director General of the Uzbekkino National Agency, Firdavs Abdukhalikov emphasized that the President’s initiatives can be called a new and important stage in the development of domestic cinema, which will undoubtedly raise the industry to a new level.

“These documents should not be developed in the offices of officials, but with the direct participation of film industry market participants, experts, specialists, all those who are directly related to the film industry, those who in practice are familiar with the intricacies and features of the film industry,” Firdavs Abdukhalikov said.

Another innovation of filmmakers will be the creation of public councils in each direction of the film industry.

“Public councils will be the first bridge for filmmakers and the state. This year, on the basis of these tips, we plan to create associations that will represent the interests of film workers at the state level,” Khairullo Sagdiev, member of the public council, People’s Artist of Uzbekistan said.

The participants of the film forum also discussed a number of other equally relevant issues.

“There is no “national film” status in domestic legislation. In the new bill, we propose the introduction of this term. Films awarded this status will have state support,” said Bahodir Mukhamedov, head of the Uzbekkino information and communication technology department.

The forum participants also raised a sore subject, not only for domestic but also for world cinema - the issue of copyright.

“Our cinema needs to address issues of intellectual property and copyright protection,” director Jahongir Akhmedov said. - Films have not yet been released, but pirated copies are already freely sold in the markets. So-called screens or CamRip-quality video appear on the Internet - they are recorded on a camera in a movie theater. Recently, screens began to appear on the first day of rental. It is necessary to increase the responsibility of cinemas, as well as to decide on the purchase of special equipment that fixes optical or recording equipment in cinemas, ”added J. Akhmedov. This issue should also be reflected in the new bill.

The forum participants also discussed the issue of improving the professionalism of film industry personnel. As the director Dilmurod Masaidov noted, it is necessary to strengthen the school of film studies, to strengthen the staff:

“We acutely feel the lack of cameramen, directors. Good cinema and increasing competition in the world market require extra-class professionals. Objectively speaking, we complain about the dominance of Western cinema, but how can we fend off? The main issue is the advanced training of our young specialists, including sending them abroad for training - to Europe, Russia, India. In the future, the opening of the Institute of Cinematography,” he said.

All these and many other issues voiced at the forum were proposed to be included in the Concept for the development of the film industry in Uzbekistan until 2030.

Topical topics include social protection of film industry workers, professional development, the absence of a school and staff of producers, the creation of cinemas, increasing the responsibility of film distributors and television channels for demonstrating original film production in full and without interference from broadcast editors.

The participants of the film forum discussed other issues related to the development of the film industry in our country.