Uzbekistan Launches Global Cinema Weekend to Attract Film Industry

Uzbekistan is taking a new step to position itself as an international filming destination with the launch of Global Cinema Weekend, an industry platform designed to connect cinema, tourism, and the creative economy. The initiative was formalized through a memorandum signed between the National PR-Center and Global Tech Weekend. The platform will be held as part of Global Tech Weekend Tashkent on May 15-17. Organizers say the new platform aims to bring together international film professionals, government representatives, and local businesses. The goal is to foster partnerships and promote Uzbekistan as a competitive destination for global film production. Global Cinema Weekend will take place across Tashkent as part of Global Tech Weekend, described as the region’s largest decentralized innovation forum. The event is expected to attract participants from across the global creative industry, including producers, directors, and investors. A key focus of the initiative is developing film-induced tourism, a model in which films and television productions drive interest in filming locations and increase visitor numbers. Organizers say this approach aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader tourism strategy and could help boost international visibility. The memorandum outlines plans for long-term cooperation, including the annual organization of similar events with participation from leading global film industry figures, including representatives from Hollywood. Officials say this could open new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and improvements in production standards. The initiative is also supported by government incentives designed to attract foreign production companies, including cash rebate programs. These measures are intended to make Uzbekistan more competitive as a filming location. “Signing this memorandum marks an important step in positioning Uzbekistan as an open and competitive destination for international film production,” said Shakhboz Saidkhanov, Director of the National PR-Center. “We are building an ecosystem where the film industry contributes to tourism growth, investment attraction, and the country’s global image.” Nodo Ivanidze, co-founder of Global Tech Weekend, said Uzbekistan already offers strong potential for filmmakers. “Uzbekistan has everything a filmmaker needs: ancient cities, dramatic landscapes, and a government that is actively building the infrastructure to welcome international productions,” he said. “What has been missing is a dedicated industry platform that connects that potential directly to global decision-makers.” He added that Global Cinema Weekend is intended to become a long-term initiative rather than a one-time event. “This memorandum is not a one-time activation. It is the beginning of a long-term effort to make Uzbekistan a permanent fixture on the map of global film production,” Ivanidze said. Global Tech Weekend, launched in 2025, is expanding its activities across the Eurasia region, with events planned in Tashkent, Tbilisi, and Baku in 2026.

Construction Begins in Kazakhstan on a World-Class Film Studio for a Movie Starring Jackie Chan

A project has been launched in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region that could significantly transform the local film industry. Construction has begun in the city of Kaskelen on the “Dala Stage” film studio project, which is positioned as a world-class facility and is being developed with the participation of international partners. According to local authorities, one of the most notable moments at the project’s groundbreaking ceremony was the delivery of a time capsule from Jackie Chan, which was transported by helicopter. The capsule was received by director Robert Koon, who is set to work on the first production at the new site, Armor of God 4: Ultimatum. “The film industry is developing rapidly, requiring increasingly large-scale solutions and advanced technologies. This new project will allow local professionals to compete at a global level,” said Almaty Region Akim Marat Sultangaziev. Producer Li Chiu Wa conveyed greetings from Jackie Chan and said the project is progressing quickly. He said that just six months ago it was still at the discussion stage, but construction has already begun. The key parameters of the future facility have already been outlined. The total site will cover 15 hectares, with built-up space of 3,000 square meters. The project extends beyond the construction of a film studio and is intended to support the development of the national film industry, including training specialists and attracting investment.