Uzbekistan Launches 25% Film Rebate at Cannes

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has announced the launch of a 25% rebate program and the Global Country Placement initiative during the Marché du Film at the 79th Cannes International Film Festival, held from May 12 to 20. The country is among the first in Central Asia to introduce such mechanisms to support international film production and film tourism.

The National Pavilion of Uzbekistan was presented at the Marché du Film for the fourth time. The exhibition showcased filming opportunities across the country, including diverse shooting locations, to international producers and industry representatives. The pavilion was visited by representatives of more than 100 production and distribution companies from Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia.

Organizers said the project was implemented with support from the Uzbekistan Tourism Committee and aims to develop film tourism by promoting the country through international films and media projects. Producers from France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Canada, the United States, and Southeast Asia showed the strongest interest in filming in Uzbekistan.

French director and producer Quentin Closan of Okino Films said a science fiction film script could be adapted for shooting in Surkhandarya region. Italian documentary filmmakers Alessandro Beltrame and Alessia Valenti, working on projects for Amazon Prime, expressed interest in filming in the Boybuloq cave in the Baysun district in 2027. They said the project is supported by the National Film Commission of Uzbekistan and the country’s existing rebate system.

Executive director of the UK-based Fact Not Fiction Films, Tristan Lorraine, presented a proposal for an aviation-themed film in Uzbekistan and highlighted the attractiveness of the country’s rebate program due to its simple and efficient mechanism. Japanese producer Yusuke Kamata, who has worked on HBO Max and Netflix projects, said he is considering Uzbekistan as a location for future international productions.

During the film market, the Uzbek delegation also held talks with representatives of the Venice Production Bridge, the American Film Market, the London-based FOCUS market, the International Conclave of Film Producers of India, as well as industry publications Deadline Hollywood, Variety, Ecran Total, and Screen International. Discussions focused on promoting the “Film in Uzbekistan” campaign and attracting international film investment.

Meetings were also held with representatives of the Malta Arts Council and the Malta Film Commission, which is considered a global leader in film tourism. The Maltese side invited Uzbekistan’s National Film Commission to participate in a study visit to explore international best practices.

The statement noted that rebate programs have become one of the key factors in selecting filming destinations for international productions. Similar mechanisms operate in more than 100 countries and territories, including Germany, the United States, the Czech Republic, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, and Estonia.

Uzbekistan also announced the launch of the Global Country Placement program starting in 2026. The initiative is designed to promote the country through international films and television series.

Examples cited include Mexico’s investment in the James Bond film “Spectre” and New Zealand’s use of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy to develop its national tourism brand.