From December 12 to 16, 2025, the XIX International Documentary Film Festival on Human Rights "Bir Duyno Kyrgyzstan" took place in the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The event was co-organized by the Ombudsman Institute of the Kyrgyz Republic. This festival serves as a unique platform in Central Asia for discussing human rights issues, offering participants the opportunity to explore human rights through art in the format of Human Rights through Art.
The festival was timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the UN and the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act of 1975, which laid the foundation for international security and the protection of human rights.
The program opening was marked by the screening of the film "The Mandate" by Swiss director Stefan Ziegler, which criticized the work of international organizations, including the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross, in the context of protecting human rights in modern conflicts.
"Bir Duyno - 2025" became a venue for sharing experiences in overcoming crises, gathering international experts and human rights defenders from countries including Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Hungary, and Moldova. Participants included both independent experts in international law and representatives of human rights organizations and civil society.
The festival included workshops and thematic labs dedicated to climate security, social and cultural rights, as well as children's rights and gender equality. One of the key elements was the discussion sessions, which provided a platform for dialogue between civil society, government institutions, and international organizations.
Evgeny Shatsky, coordinator of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Office in Central Asia, presented a report on the impact of the Kyrgyz Republic Law "On Non-Profit Organizations" on the development of NGOs and civil society.
There were also labs aimed at promoting the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, as well as discussions on labor rights and corporate responsibility.
From December 13 to 15, film screenings and discussions took place in the "Flutter" hall of the Technopark, gathering hundreds of viewers — representatives of various organizations, students, young filmmakers, and activists. This created an inclusive atmosphere for open discussions on issues of justice and citizens' rights.
In the competitive program of the festival, 22 documentary films were presented — 14 from Kyrgyzstan and 8 from abroad. The audience saw the best works, including award-winning films from international festivals, among which was a film nominated for an "Oscar".
On December 16, a solemn closing ceremony was held, where the winners were awarded. The laureates received diplomas and statuettes of the "Bir Duyno Kyrgyzstan" festival - "Umai Ene".
The awards were given to the following films:
Grand Prix - "Our Land, Our Freedom" (Kenya / USA / Portugal / Germany), directors Mina Nandi and Zippy Kimundu.
Best International Film - "Killing the Tiger" (Canada), director Nisha Pahuja, Oscar nominee.
Best National Film - "The Path" (Chiyir, Kyrgyzstan), director Aibek Bayimbetov.
Special Jury Prize - "Medihah" (USA / Iraq), director Hasan Oswald.
Best Film on Gender Equality - "Kickoff" (Spain / Italy), directors Stefano Obino and Roser Corella.
Best Film on Social and Labor Rights - "But What About Petya?" (Czech Republic), director Martin Trabalička.
Best Film on Environmental Rights - "I Am the River, the River Is Me" (Netherlands / Norway / New Zealand), director Peter Lom.
In the "Breakthrough" nomination, "Are We Home" (Uzbekistan / Kazakhstan) and "Children of the Mountains" (Kyrgyzstan) were recognized, while in the "Ulan Ulan" category, the film "Dogs" (Kyrgyzstan) was awarded.
The closing ceremony also presented the results of six labs dedicated to information environment security, human rights through art, and other important issues.
The "Bir Duyno Kyrgyzstan" festival confirmed its role as an important international platform for discussing human rights and solidarity in Central Asia.
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