The IV Bishkek International Film Festival 2026, which will take place from 7 to 12 June 2026, aims to serve as a vibrant platform celebrating the cultural richness of Kyrgyzstan, the growth of its film industry, and the creative spirit of its people. The festival is designed not only as a space for showcasing cinema but also as a place for connection, dialogue, and professional development for filmmakers from around the world.

A central goal of the festival is to support emerging voices in cinema — to create an environment where young filmmakers, actors, and directors can present their work, exchange ideas, and find inspiration for future projects. We envision Bishkek as a meeting point for a new generation of talent, where creativity transcends borders and diverse perspectives unite through film.

For young filmmakers from Central Asia, the festival offers a unique opportunity to gain international visibility while staying rooted in their own region. By bringing international guests and local talents together, the festival fosters collaboration, mutual learning, and the development of a sustainable creative community both within and beyond the region.

The festival program features three main competition sections:

- International Competition — the festival’s main competition program, bringing together outstanding films from around the world.

- Central Asian Competition — including films from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan,

- KyrgyzBox - a section dedicated to commercially successful Kyrgyz feature films that have achieved notable box office results and strong audience recognition.

In previous editions, the festival has hosted a wide range of international partners and organizations, reflecting its growing presence in the global film community. Among them were SØRFOND, ARTE, La Fabrique Cinéma, the Nipkow Program, the Red Sea Film Festival, members of FIPRESCI, representatives of the Busan IFF, and many others. Their involvement has helped strengthen professional exchange and build long-term connections between filmmakers from different countries.

The festival has also welcomed distinguished guests such as Dominic West, Shinnosuke Abe, Bibi Naceri, Michele Placido, Soji Arai, and many other notable artists and industry figures.

Media coverage came from respected international outlets, including Cineuropa, Asian Movie Pulse, We Project, 98mag, and several other publications, contributing to the festival’s increasing visibility and recognition worldwide.

Awards & Prizes

Awards and Prizes:

International Competition:
Grand Prize “Best Film” (producer receives) - 500,000 som
"Best Director" - 400,000 som
"Best Actress/Actor" - 300,000 som
"Special Jury Prize" (cameramen, screenwriters, composers, production designers receive)

Central Asian Competition:
Grand Prize "Best Film" (producer receives) - 500,000 som
"Best Director" - 400,000 som
"Best Actress/Actor" - 300,000 som
"Special Jury Prize" (cameramen, screenwriters, composers, production designers receive)

KyrgyzBox Competition:
Grand Prize "Best Film" (producer receives) - 500,000 som
"Best Director" - 400,000 som
"Best Actress/Actor" - 300,000 som
"Special Jury Prize" (cameramen, screenwriters, composers, production designers receive)

Additionally:

- Special prize from the mayor of Bishkek
- "Contribution to the World of Cinema" Award

Rules & Terms

The Bishkek International Film Festival welcomes film submissions from around the world. To keep the selection process clear and straightforward, please follow the guidelines below.

The festival accepts only full-length feature films. We do not consider documentaries or animated films. Films that include pornographic content, promote extremist views, or contain explicit violence toward humans or animals will not be accepted.

Films in all three categories are accepted provided that they were completed between March 1 of the previous year and March 1 of the year in which the festival is held.

Premiere films in all three competitions are accepted provided that their release or festival screening is scheduled after June 15 of the year in which the festival is held.

Our programming focuses on stories connected to social, cultural, or regional themes relevant to Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia, as well as films that explore broader human experiences. We encourage filmmakers to submit works that reflect these directions.

By submitting your film, you confirm that you hold the legal rights to the work and that all information provided is accurate. The festival is not responsible for any legal claims or disputes that may arise in connection with the submitted film.