Uzbekistan is stepping up its ambitions in the global film industry with the launch of Global Cinema Weekend, a new platform aimed at boosting the creative economy and attracting international productions.

The initiative comes under a cooperation agreement between the National PR Center under the Tourism Committee and Global Tech Weekend (GTW). The platform will debut during the GTW Tashkent forum in May 2026, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

Global Cinema Weekend is designed to position Uzbekistan as an attractive filming destination, promote film tourism, and connect the country with leading global studios and producers. Organizers say it will also help integrate Uzbekistan more deeply into the international creative economy.

Under the memorandum, both sides plan long-term cooperation, including hosting annual events featuring top figures from the global film industry - including professionals from Hollywood.

“The agreement marks an important step in positioning Uzbekistan as an open and competitive destination for international film production,” said Shahboz Saidkhanov, Director of the National PR Center under the Committee for Tourism of the Republic of Uzbekistan. “We are building an ecosystem where cinema drives tourism, investment, and the country’s global image.”

GTW co-founder Nodo Ivanidze noted that Uzbekistan already offers filmmakers rich opportunities - from ancient cities to striking landscapes - but lacked a dedicated platform to connect with global decision-makers.

The new initiative aims to fill that gap, laying the foundation for long-term efforts to put Uzbekistan firmly on the world film production map.

The move builds on growing regional momentum in cinema. Earlier, international forums such as “Living History” highlighted Central Asia’s film potential, with Kazakhstan showcasing projects that explore the region’s cultural and historical heritage.