The «Gorkut Ata»  International film festival concluded in Aktau. Held in the best traditions of national film schools, the event brought together directors, actors, producers, and filmmakers from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Hungary, and Kazakhstan.

Following the screening, the feature film «Kitap» («Book») by Turkmen director Hekim Alovov won the festival's special jury prize.

Created by the Oguzhan «Turkmenfilm» Association, the film explores the theme of respect for spiritual heritage. The protagonist once traded his camel for a book, which became more than just a relic for him, but a symbol of eternal values. He refused to sell it, even for a considerable sum of money.

The film is based on the short story of the same name by Turkmen writer Nurmyrat Saryhanov. The film premiered in Ashgabat in 2024.

The TURKSOY Film Summit was also held as part of the film festival. Its main theme was the discussion of prospects for film cooperation between the Turkic countries.

Representatives of government agencies, national film centres, experts, and filmmakers spoke at the event. Sahysalyh Bayramov, Deputy Chairman of the Oguz Han «Turkmenfilm» Association, spoke about the importance of cinema as a valuable spiritual heritage preserved and passed on from generation to generation.

Prospects for international co-production and joint projects were discussed, as well as opportunities for strengthening cultural interaction through cinema.