Uzbekistan has allocated UZS 218bn ($18.2mn) from the state budget for film production in 2026, up from UZS 10bn ($836,318) in 2016, as the government increases support for the national cinema industry.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the figures during a meeting with filmmakers at the Uzbekfilm studio, according to the presidential press service.
Mirziyoyev recalled the studio’s role in shaping the country’s cinematic heritage, describing it as a place that reflects the history of national cinema and the work of generations of filmmakers.
He praised artists for producing nationally significant films despite the political and ideological pressures of earlier periods.
The president also highlighted films produced during the independence era, including Abdullajon, Otamdan qolgan dalalar (Fields Left by My Father), Dilkhiroj, Vatan (Homeland) and O'tov.
Mirziyoyev recalled the condition of the Uzbekfilm studio a decade ago, noting that the government had prioritised its restoration and the creation of better working conditions for filmmakers from the early stages of its reform programme.
The studio has since undergone a complete reconstruction. Over the past decade, the government has adopted two decrees and eight resolutions aimed at supporting the film industry.
According to the presidential press service, increased state funding has contributed to growth in the volume and quality of national film production, while dozens of private film studios have entered the market.