On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Embassy of India with support of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, New Delhi and in partnership with the Cinematography Agency of Uzbekistan is organizing a Film Festival ‘Sashakt Nari - Celebrating Womanhood’ at Cinema Palace, Alisher Navoi, Tashkent from March 14-16, 2025 featuring acclaimed women-centric films such as Ghoomer, English Vinglish, Ardhangini and Amma Kanakku and providing the audience an immersive experience showcasing inspiring female characters highlighting their role in shaping societal perspectives.
The grand inaugural ceremony of the Film Festival was held on March 13, 2025 at Hyatt Regency Tashkent. Famous Indian actor Mr. Abhishek Bachchan (son of legendary actor Mr. Amitabh Bachchan) and eminent film directors Mr. R. Balakrishnan, Ms. Gauri Shinde and young upcoming actress Ms. Saiyami Kher were the star attractions at the ceremony with this being their first visit to Uzbekistan. The ceremony was attended by Olympic champion Ms. Svetlana Osipova and Ms. Ozoda Sobirjanova, Paralympic Champion Ms. Naimova Guljanoi and Ms. Isokova Ziyodakhon, 25 women MPs including Ms. Mavlyuda Khodjaeva, Ms. Gulrukh Agzamova, Ms. Mukhtarova Nazira, Deputy Minister of Sports Mr. Makhmudov Shakhrillo, people’s artist and hero of Uzbekistan Ms. Munojat Yulchieva, leading women achievers, actors and filmmakers, cultural personalities, diplomatic community and distinguished members of the civil society. Their popular and award-winning movie ‘Ghoomer’ is the premier screening of the Film Festival on March 14 at Alisher Navoi, Cinema Palace.
Ambassador of India to the Republic of Uzbekistan Ms. Smita Pant welcomed the filmstars and the distinguished dignitaries present at the event. She highlighted the deep cultural and historical bonds between India and Uzbekistan especially in the sphere of cinema and music and emphasized its key role in transcending borders, fostering art and cultural understanding and shaping societal perspectives. She announced that Embassy of India in cooperation with Cinematography Agency of Uzbekistan will organize film festival dedicated to women every year.
Director of the Cinematography Agency of Uzbekistan Mr. Shukhratulla Tursunovich Rizayev welcomed the Indian filmstars and expressed the strong desire of Uzbekistan film fraternity to have close cooperation and explore joint production opportunities with Indian film and entertainment industry. Mr. Abhishek Bachchan in his speech highlighted the strong friendship and relationship between the people of India and Uzbekistan and the importance of women centered cinema in changing society. He also spoke about the possibility of filming in Uzbekistan and having more exchanges in the area of Cinema. Ms. Saiyami Kher thanked the people of Uzbekistan for their warm hospitality. Mr. R. Balki and Ms. Gauri Shinde expressed their desire to explore the possibility of filming in Uzbekistan in future. They will be visiting some select sites in Samarkand and Bukhara.
The guests enjoyed the trailers of the movies being screened at the film festival. It was followed by captivating cultural performances on starcast and Ghoomer movie by students of Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture, famous Havas Guruhi Group and Bollywood Battle. A promotional video on World Audio Visual and Entertainment (WAVES) Summit scheduled to be held in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025 was also shown during the event.
The Film Festival will kick off with the opening screening of Ghoomer on March 14 at 1500 hrs at Cinema Palace, Alisher Navoi and conclude on March 16, 2025. Screening schedule is appended (entry free for all movies).
Screening Schedule
March 14 at 1500 hrs - Ghoomer (in Hindi with Uzbek subtitles)
March 15 at 1100 hrs - Englilsh Vinglish (in Hindi with Uzbek subtitles)
March 15 at 1500 hrs - Ardhangini (in Bengali with Uzbek subtitles)
March 16 at 1100 hrs - Amma Kanakku (dubbed in Uzbek)
March 16 at 1500 hrs - Thappad (in Hindi with Uzbek subtitles)
