Asel Umarova, producer and executive director of the IV Bishkek Film Festival (BKF), emphasizes the importance for young authors to consider not only the artistic aspects of their projects but also their future in the professional environment. She shared with us the challenges that emerging filmmakers should be prepared for, the common mistakes that beginners often make, and how to maintain the unique style of their work.
According to Umarova, the authorial voice is lost not due to strategy but due to uncertainty. When a director clearly understands their idea and knows who it is addressed to, the strategy becomes a logical continuation of the concept. The viability of a project is not always determined by its commercial success; it is important for it to find its audience and occupy a specific place in the professional context.
– How do you assess the current state of the debut film market in Central Asia?- The region is in a phase of active growth. Interest in our stories is increasing, and films are becoming more noticeable on the international stage. However, there is a lack of infrastructure, such as stable distribution, a development approach, and reliable funding models. We are just beginning to shape the market, which presents both challenges and opportunities.
Participation in festivals and forums is especially important for young authors, as these events help them make useful connections, find like-minded individuals, and gain new knowledge for their projects.
– How can festivals contribute to the development of emerging filmmakers?- Festivals are not just film screenings. They serve as important entry points into the profession, create visibility, build connections, and open access to experts and potential partners. Industry platforms are particularly significant as they help authors think strategically, receive feedback, and adapt their positioning according to market demands. This is an important stage for the growth of a project.
– What role do professional meetings and pitch sessions play?- Pitching is not just a competition; it is a tool for clearly articulating ideas. When an author can clearly present their project and its significance, it fosters a better understanding of both the project itself and its potential. Partnerships and co-productions often arise in such formats, as well as interest from producers and platforms. It serves as a kind of bridge between emerging authors and the broader film industry.
– What changes have occurred in the industry's demands in recent years?- The industry has become more pragmatic. There is now an emphasis on strong local stories with universal messages, as well as projects with a clearly defined audience and teams ready to bring these projects to success. It is important not only to have creative ideas but also to be able to manage the process of their implementation.
– What advice would you give to young directors?- It is necessary to think not only about the film but also about one’s professional trajectory. Each project is a step forward. It is important to ask yourself questions about who your audience is, where your film will be distributed, and what it will reveal in the future. Structuring your thoughts and approach will help achieve success.
– At the XIII International Forum of Young Cinema "Umut," you will present a presentation on the topic "Idea and Strategy: How to Connect Creativity and the Market." Why is this topic relevant for young authors today?- In our time, it is not enough to simply create a quality film. The amount of content is growing, while audience attention is decreasing. An idea alone does not guarantee that the project will reach its audience. Without a clear understanding of how the film will develop after shooting is completed, it may go unnoticed in the professional community. I often observe talented directors lacking a systematic approach to the fate of their project after its completion. This reflects the level of maturity of the industry and the ability to think not only in terms of the film but also of its future. Connecting idea and strategy from the very beginning helps create not just a film but a sustainable presence in the industry.
