Uzbekistan plans to dissolve Cinematography Agency and establish national film company Uzbekfilm

Uzbekistan plans to reorganize its film industry by dissolving the Cinematography Agency, transferring its functions to the Ministry of Culture and establishing a national film company under the Uzbekfilm brand. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation outlining proposals to introduce modern management methods in the film industry and establish Uzbekfilm as a national cinema brand.

The proposed changes include restructuring the industry's management system, revising film financing mechanisms and developing new infrastructure for film production and distribution. During the presentation, officials reported on measures implemented to develop Uzbekistan's cinematography sector in recent years. A total of 10 presidential decrees and resolutions have been adopted, while state budgetary support for film production has increased several times over the past decade.

The state monopoly in the film industry has been abolished, allowing private film studios to operate. Films dedicated to historical figures and national identity have been produced, and modern filming pavilions have been established. The sector is also implementing major film projects in cooperation with foreign countries. Despite these developments, the presentation identified several issues affecting the industry.

It was noted that the psychological and philosophical traditions of Uzbek cinema, established by earlier generations of filmmakers, have weakened, while the number of films with superficial storylines has increased. The industry also faces a shortage of high-quality screenplays and a generational gap among specialists working in cinematography, sound design and film editing.

A review of 181 projects currently planned for production identified repeated themes and historical periods. The review also found that many filmmakers were simultaneously involved in several projects, while some film studios and creative teams lacked sufficient experience. Concerns were also raised about the existing approach to evaluating the Cinematography Agency's performance.

According to the presentation, the agency's effectiveness has primarily been measured by the completion of approved production plans rather than film popularity or audience reception. Additionally, the industry lacks a systematic approach to film marketing, distribution and international sales.

One of the main proposals presented to the President involves dissolving the Cinematography Agency, its 19 subordinate organizations and the Cinematography Fund. Under the proposed restructuring, their functions would be transferred to the Ministry of Culture. The premises vacated following the dissolution of these organizations would be sold through auctions.

The presentation also outlined plans to establish a national film company called Uzbekfilm under the Ministry of Culture. The company would become the principal organization responsible for overseeing the film industry. The existing system of state-commissioned film production would be abolished. Instead, film projects would be financed by the national company using allocated budgetary subsidies.

The proposed financing arrangement would replace the current state-commissioned production mechanism. The proposed reforms also include the development of new technical infrastructure for the film industry. A modern dubbing and sound-recording center is planned, including a sound studio equipped with Dolby Atmos technology.

Another initiative involves establishing a national online film platform. According to the presentation, the platform would provide opportunities to monetize film content. These initiatives were presented alongside proposals to improve the management, production and distribution of Uzbek films. Following the presentation, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev endorsed the proposed changes and instructed responsible officials to accelerate the introduction of modern management practices in the film industry.

He also emphasized the importance of ensuring creative freedom and increasing the production of films based on high-quality screenplays and realistic storylines. The president instructed officials to focus on restoring the international reputation of the Uzbek school of filmmaking.