As part of events to mark the Turkmen capital’s 140th anniversary and the 30th anniversary of our country’s independence, the Türkmenfilm Association named after Oguzkhan has organized a competitive short film festival, entitled ‘Ashgabat Spring’.

Launched in February, the creative project has attracted enthusiastic and widespread participation from the people of Turkmenistan, who are proud of their independent home country, are in love with the beautiful capital and are willing to tell about it through the medium of film.    

As the main aim of the Festival is to discover talents and to encourage self-expression, it is open to anyone wishing to participate regardless of their age and occupation, to representatives of creative fields and those who have little to do with art… A debut in the festival will probably open the door to the big screen for some. 

According to the organizers, a wide range of themes will allow the participants to explore the central idea fully even in short-length films. What qualities films will have depends on their maker’s ability to grasp the creative concept and to be perfectly capable of giving a vivid portrayal of events and facts. Stunning visuals, a clear focus and brevity are the most essential aspects.  Narrative short films should be from five to ten minutes long. 

Short films must be submitted in an electronic format by May 15. The films entered for the competition will be shown at the capital’s Ashgabat Cinema from May 10 to May 16. The winners will be announced in the following categories: Best Direction, Best Script, Best Cinematography, Best Actress, and Best Actor at the official awards ceremony on May 23. The People’s Choice Award and the Jury’s Choice Award will be presented as well. The best short film will collect the Festival’s Grand Prize.   

For further information please call: (+99312) 49-37-01, 49-37-02

Anastasia KASYANOVA