Eldeniz Mamedov, a student at the Tashkent Branch of VGIK who has a Group I disability, faced the threat of expulsion before starting his third year due to outstanding tuition fees. Mamedov himself insists that his studies should have been conducted based on state benefits, but the legal conditions that should have been applied upon his admission were not met.
Difficulties in organizing the educational process began back in 2022 when he enrolled in the 'Screenwriting Mastery' specialty. Within a year, it became clear that official enrollment did not take place due to a payment delay, even though the financial debt was later settled.
The student was offered a transfer to the 'Dramaturgy' program, but by 2024, this program no longer existed at the branch. As a result, Eldeniz had to retake entrance exams, this time applying for the directing faculty.
Despite achieving the required passing scores, he did not receive a state grant, which forced his family to pay for his education. Mamedov emphasizes that the document confirming his Group I disability was in his personal file from the beginning. According to current legislation, persons with disabilities are entitled to an additional 2% quota for state grants, information about which is posted on the official website of the Tashkent Branch of VGIK. Nevertheless, the student was not provided with an explanation as to why these conditions were not taken into account when allocating places.
Currently, the branch administration has notified Mamedov of possible dismissal if he does not repay the debt for the second year.
Alongside his studies, Eldeniz is actively engaged in creative activities. In 2022, he won a prize at an international screenwriters' competition, based on which a short film was made. In 2026, his new script was selected for an international film festival, and the film he co-created took first place at a festival held in Florida (USA).
The student intends to continue his education in the field of cinematography. A correspondent from Podrobno.uz contacted the administration of the Tashkent Branch of VGIK for comments regarding the situation. The branch promised to provide answers to the questions asked, but the editorial office did not receive them a week later.