A special screening of the Turkmen-Uzbek film "Magtymguly Pyragy" was held at the Turkish House in New York. The film is dedicated to the memory of the classic Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy, a significant cultural figure in the Turkic world.
The film, created under the patronage of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, is a vibrant tribute to the 300th anniversary of Magtymguly Pyragy’s birth. This work received the top award at the 4th International Film Festival "Gorkut Ata", held in Ashgabat.
Before the screening, the film’s director, Muzaffarkhon Erkinov, shared his impressions of working with Turkmen filmmakers:
"Our film demonstrates the unity of two nations and, more importantly, the unity of the entire Turkic world. We filmed this project in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, creating over 50 filming locations and undertaking extensive work. We are united by language, religion and culture. It was a great honor for us to showcase this unity through cinema."
The director also expressed gratitude to the leaders of both countries for making this collaboration possible.
The lead actor, young performer Ahmet Amandurdyev, proudly shared that it was an honor for him to embody the image of the great thinker Magtymguly Pyragy on the big screen.
TURKSOY Secretary-General Sultan Raev emphasized in his speech:
"This film is a powerful symbol that not only deepens cultural ties between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan but also symbolizes the unity of the Turkic world. Magtymguly Pyragy was a sage whose ideas transcended his era. He represents universal values such as justice, brotherhood and peace. Today’s world needs thinkers like Pyragy more than ever. In this regard, I would like to congratulate our filmmakers who have made an invaluable contribution to this work."
Sultan Raev also reminded attendees that 2025 has been declared "International Year of Peace and Trust" in Turkmenistan. He noted that this event marks an important beginning for this significant year.
As part of the program dedicated to the film "Magtymguly Pyragy", a series of events took place with the participation of Permanent Representatives from several countries to the UN, artists, leaders of non-governmental organizations, and other guests.
The event included a TURKSOY photo exhibition on themes such as "Cultural Capitals of the Turkic World" and "Magtymguly Pyragy." Participants had the opportunity to explore exhibits showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Turkic world, as well as artworks by young artists inspired by Magtymguly’s creativity.