Uzbek film director Gulnara Ivanova recently made headlines for winning the Dollar Baby, a highly prestigious award by American writer Stephen King that enabled her to purchase the screen rights to one of King's works for just $1. Nargizakhon Murodova, the Daryo correspondent, has interviewed Gulnara Ivanova to learn more about the background of the first Uzbek female film director to catch the attention of the world's renowned "King of Horror."
My family name reflects our mixed heritage of Russian and Uzbek origins. Both of my parents are accomplished engineers, and we lead a modest lifestyle. Since childhood, I have nurtured a deep interest in film-making, and I have devoted much of my time to studying this field. I am fond of experimenting with creative ideas in my films, but sometimes the outcome falls short of my expectations.
In 2019, director Shakir Holiqov's film "Tea" made headlines when it was featured at the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival. My own film also took part in Cannes that year, and I received an award for Best Storytelling in my category; however, it did not garner the same level of media attention as "Tea," which won the Grand Prix.
Regarding her recent win in the Dollar Baby, Ivanova expressed her excitement and gratitude towards Stephen King. The program has been running since 1970 and is designed to support and assist aspiring filmmakers like Gulnara Ivanova.
Ivanova had been planning to enter the program for a long time and was thrilled when King contacted her after she wrote a letter explaining her ideas for adapting his story.
I am currently studying at the VGIK branch in Tashkent, which has become a second home to me. This place is a support base for young people, and I want to use my skills to revolutionize Uzbek cinema and receive global recognition. However, I am unsure of who to turn to for help outside of the institute. I have many ideas that I want to implement in Uzbekistan, but I lack guidance on how to execute them.
My current project is a feature film titled "Open Your Eyes." It is my longest film thus far and a non-traditional, new genre for Uzbek cinema. The film faced resistance during production due to its unconventional nature. However, I believe that a film should not be limited by templates, and the creator should have the freedom to create. I am producing this film without a budget, relying solely on the help of my friends.
According to the director, the Tashkent branch of the VGIK Institute, Specter Studio film company, and the State Film Fund of Uzbekistan have also aided in its production.
Gulnara Ivanova also shared her thoughts on the current state of Uzbek cinema and the challenges she encountered while filming.
The phrase "Uzbek cinema is dead" is quite common, but I believe that it is currently experiencing a period of rejuvenation. Although everything is not yet perfect, there are people who are making an effort to improve the situation. It is important to remain optimistic and continue working hard. Personally, I reached out to Stephen King, one of the greatest writers of our time, and was thrilled to become the first Uzbek woman selected by the "King of Horror". Despite having no funds, I decided to create a feature film and hoped that producers would support me after a week of filming.
Eldor Sodikovich, the director of VGIK's Tashkent branch, helped me with paperwork and permits for filming. I am grateful to my student friends who provided artistic assistance. As they say, "timid eyes and weak hands," but hard work and confidence can overcome all fears. Recently, I submitted several screenplays to the Uzbek Cinematography Agency aimed at developing the worldview of teenagers and adults. The problem of teenagers has always been important, and my scripts were praised at the artistic council meeting. However, despite the positive feedback, none of the projects moved forward. I wonder why Uzbek cinema has not reached the same level of success as Iranian, Chinese, Korean, and Turkish movies.
Gulnara Ivanova is hopeful that her movie "Open Your Eyes" will become a stepping stone for the growth of Uzbek cinema and elevate it to greater heights.
Previously, Daryo reported that Uzbekistan-born Gulnara Ivanova has obtained the rights to adapt Stephen King's story "The Man Who Would Not Shake Hands" released in 1985.
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