Kyrgyzstan is rapidly emerging as an unexpected powerhouse in cinema production and could soon rank among global leaders in the number of films made per capita.

Filmmaker Suyun Otkeev said that the country’s film industry has been accelerating at an impressive pace despite its small market size, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

In 2024, around 50 films were produced in Kyrgyzstan. That number rose to 70 in 2025, with projections suggesting up to 90 films in 2026. Even in the first months of this year alone, 38 films have already been completed.

With a population of about 7.5 million, the country is now producing roughly 9 films per million residents - a figure comparable to global cinema leaders such as Nigeria.

For comparison, Italy produces around 6 films per million people, France about 4, Germany roughly 3, and the United States approximately 1.5.

Otkeev noted that if current trends continue, Kyrgyzstan could break into the world’s top five countries for films per capita.

However, experts also stress that while production is booming, questions around content quality and long-term industry sustainability will be crucial for the sector’s future growth.