The First Bishkek International Film Festival was held from November 17 to 21, 2023. The event was organized in celebration of the 95th anniversary of the great writer Chingiz Aitmatov.
The BIFF was established as part of the implementation of Presidential Decree No. 159, issued by the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, S. N. Japarov, on May 20, 2022 — “On Measures to Develop the National Film Industry and Further Improve the System of State Support for Cinematography in the Kyrgyz Republic.”
The festival program included:
– International Competition
– National Competition
– CAF Pitch
– Forum dedicated to the 95th anniversary of Chingiz Aitmatov
– Masterclasses
– Turkish Cinema Week
– Retrospective Screenings
Guests and representatives from the film industry — including filmmakers, cultural figures, and media professionals — walked the “sky carpet” of the Bishkek Film Festival. The event highlighted the festival’s international nature and its significance within the cultural sphere.
As part of the festival, four impactful masterclasses were held, covering key topics in contemporary cinema. Vladislav Maleev led a session on the potential of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. Georgy Molodtsov gave an engaging talk on the future of virtual reality. Roman Dorofeev shared his expertise in film distribution. Meanwhile, a hands-on acting workshop was conducted by renowned actor and director Soji Arai.
The retrospective program featured screenings of classic Kyrgyz films. Five films based on the works of Chingiz Aitmatov were shown in cinemas across the city.
As a result of the CAF Pitch competition, the project “Pay the Bill” by Asel Ayshakimova and Asel Erzhanova was awarded first place and received a cash prize of 300,000 KGS. A total of 10 film projects from across Central Asia competed in the pitch.
Winners of the International and National Competitions of the I Bishkek International Film Festival:
International Competition:
Best Director — Aktan Arym Kubat, “Esimde” (Prize: 400,000 KGS)
Best Actress — Lia Sanaa, “Chyyyr” (Prize: 300,000 KGS)
Jury Prize — “Aygai”, directed by Kenzhebek Shaykakov (Kazakhstan) (Prize: 300,000 KGS)
Grand Prix — “Zhekshembi”, directed by Shokir Kholikov (Prize: 500,000 KGS)
National Competition:
Best Director — Aybek Dayyrbekov, “Ermen Jyty” (Prize: 400,000 KGS)
Best Actor — Artyk Suyundukov, “Köl” (The Lake) (Prize: 300,000 KGS)
Best Artistic Contribution — Akzhol Bekbolotov for cinematography in “Shambala” (Prize: 300,000 KGS)
Grand Prix — “The Last Nomads”, directed by Dastan Japar uulu and Bakyt Mukul (Prize: 500,000 KGS)