Bishkek, March 9, 2026. /Kabar/. 13th International Film Forum of Young Filmmakers from the CIS Countries "Umut" was held in Bishkek from March 4 to 7.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, 38 films were screened at the forum, and master classes and a pitching session for film projects were held.
At the closing ceremony, the prize for "Best Film" in the international competition went to Armenian director Lia Karapetyan's "Seagulls over Calvary." The award for "Best Director" went to Nurlan Hasanli from Azerbaijan for his film "Early Feelings."
In the national competition, the main prize went to Tolomush Zhanibekov's "Balyk" ("Fish"), and the title of "Best Director" went to Daniyar Abirov for his film "Obonchu."
Following the pitching session, the "You and I" project received support from the Kyrgyzfilm studio, while the projects "Accomplice," "Ultrasound," and "Gesture" received financial assistance.