Mirziyoyev Dissolves Uzbekfilm and Transfers Film Production to Private Sector

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced a complete restructuring of the film industry at a meeting with filmmakers at the Uzbekfilm studio, according to the Kabar news agency citing UzA.

The Agency for Cinematography will be abolished, and the state institution Uzbekfilm will be liquidated. Responsibility for state policy in cinema will shift to the Ministry of Culture through a new Department of Cinematographic Arts. The head of the department will hold the rank of deputy minister. One month has been allocated for establishing the department and liquidating the agency and its subordinate structures.

A national film company will be created in place of Uzbekfilm. It will handle project selection for financing, promotion and distribution of films, and will assist filmmakers in entering international markets and festivals. The company itself will not engage in film production — production will be entirely transferred to private studios and filmmakers. One week has been allocated for launching the new company.

The state will also change its film financing mechanism: instead of directly commissioning films, it will provide subsidies to filmmakers and private production companies.

"From now on, the state will not be a film commissioner but a reliable partner to filmmakers and the private sector," Mirziyoyev said.

The new financing system is to be introduced within one month. Starting in 2027, the national film company will receive annual budget allocations based on its own applications.

On the 10-hectare territory of Uzbekfilm, a film industry cluster called Uzbekfilm Cinema Town will be built. The complex will combine services for film production, including a modern dubbing and recording center. A project company for developing the master plan and estimate documentation is to be selected within two months. Construction is scheduled for March 2027.

Unused state assets in the film industry will be put up for public auction.

The Kohinur wellness complex in the Quy Chirchiq district will be fully transferred for use by filmmakers. The facility recently underwent renovation and modernization. Mirziyoyev noted that Kohinur should become a place for filmmakers to rest and generate new ideas. At least 300 film industry workers will annually receive free vouchers for rest and treatment at health resorts throughout Uzbekistan.