A special regional project, Silk Road Tribute Gala, under the auspices of the Golden Globes, took place in Tashkent on October 23-24. The event was dedicated to showcasing achievements in cinema and television from Central Asian and Caucasian countries.
The project organizers aimed to support new, unique cinematic voices that are not yet widely known but possess mastery worthy of international recognition. Another goal was to open up new opportunities for local actors and directors, considering the region's rich creative heritage, which has connected different cultures through the Silk Road for centuries.
Honored Artist of Uzbekistan Rustam Sagdullaev emphasized the immense and resonant significance of the event, noting that hosting such a prestigious award in the region is unprecedented. He stated that the choice fell specifically on Uzbekistan, which proves the country's merits and its cinema, and that this will serve as a strong stimulus for filmmakers to create high-quality films capable of competing for world awards at the level of the "Golden Globe."
The red carpet was attended not only by local celebrities but also by international guests, including Adriana Brody, Kira Chaplin, Olga Kurilenko, Svetlana Bondarchuk, Laysan Utyasheva, and Alexey Vorobyov.
Alexey Vorobyov shared his opinion on cinema as an art and a dialogue with the audience, calling the opportunity to get acquainted with Uzbek culture a huge gift. He noted that in Tashkent one can see a combination of modern skyscrapers and national character, which he appreciates.
During the ceremony, outstanding achievements of film and television figures from Central Asia and the Caucasus were recognized, and the rich cultural heritage of these regions was highlighted. Three awards—"Meridian," "Pioneer," and "Beacon"—were presented to representatives from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia.
The "Meridian" awards were received by Ali Khamraev, director, cinematographer, and screenwriter, as well as Gulchehra Jamilova, actress of theater and cinema and People's Artist of Uzbekistan, for their significant contribution to the history of cinema and television.
For the title of "Pioneers," the Azerbaijani actress, screenwriter, and producer Takhmina Rafaella, and the Georgian film director, screenwriter, and producer Levan Koguasvili, whose innovative works contributed to the development of the region's film industry, were honored.
The "Beacon" award went to Kazakh actress Shugyle Eshen and Armenian actor, theater director Samvel Tadevosyan, whose works reflect a new generation of talents in cinema and television.
The selection of Uzbekistan as the host country is due to the fact that the country is increasingly positioning itself as a major regional center for international events. Guests are attracted not only by large-scale transformations in all spheres of life but also by the unique culture, unique architecture, and hospitality of the residents.
Maryam Bukhar Hassan, a global UN peace advocate, expressed her joy at participating in the gala evening in Tashkent. She noted the warm reception, the thoughtfulness of the event, and the love of the residents for their culture, mentioning that Uzbekistan is a country with a rich historical heritage that has given the world scholars such as Imam al-Bukhari, At-Tirmizi, and Ibn Sina.
The Golden Globes held in Tashkent created a unique platform for cultural interaction between East and West, uniting creative communities of different cultures through a common passion for cinema and television art. The organization of the art festival was supported by the Dubai production company Leto Production with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan.