Among the world’s most attractive and historical cities, London stands out in many respects. The British capital offers unparalleled amenities and comforts. Once predominantly inhabited by English and white residents, London has, over the last half-century, transformed into a multicultural metropolis, thanks to immigrants from all over the world.
In this context, Eurasian Creative Guild(ECG) London has played a unique role as a bridge between Asia and Europe. This organization has fostered a community so diverse and culturally rich that it can aptly be called “World Literature.” The credit for this remarkable achievement goes to the chairman, Marat Ahmedjanov and his dedicated team.
The VI ECG Film Festival, a celebration of Eurasian cinema, took place in London from the 24th to the 28th of May. The event was held in collaboration with the eighth UK Romford Film Festival at Premier Cinemas Romford. This year’s festival saw nearly 100 submissions from 22 countries.
Directors from Poland, the UK, Kyrgyzstan, Spain, Russia, Iran, Uzbekistan, China, Armenia, and Kuwait showcased their works, highlighting the ECG Film Festival as the UK’s premier platform for Eurasian film promotion.
The festival commenced on the 24th of May with the ‘Nomadic Narratives’ exhibition featuring Kyrgyz artists. Dungan artist Rahima Arli headlined the exhibition, creating her pieces in London during her ECG Horizons Rugby residency.
The intertwining of literature and film was evident as editor John Farndon introduced new works by Gulsifat Shahidi from Tajikistan and ‘Is It Necessary to Worship at Notre Dame?’ by Alikhan Zhaksylyk from Kazakhstan. The book launches were complemented by speeches from ECG Vice Chairman Marat Ahmedjanov and Romford Film Festival founder Natalie Bays.
Azerbaijani poet Sahib Mamedov graced the event, reciting his poems dedicated to the festival’s attendees.
On the 25th of May, British audiences were treated to an exclusive out-of-competition Russian film screening, thanks to a partnership with SIFFA film festival organiser Lubov Balagova-Kandur. Films like the family comedy ‘Aul’s Challenge’, the war drama ‘Maria. Save Moscow’, the documentary ‘3723 Voznesensky’, and the historical love story ‘Cherkes’ captivated viewers with their unique narratives.
The festival culminated in an awards ceremony on the 28th of May, honouring outstanding contributions to Eurasian cinema:
Best Eurasian Feature Film ‘There and Back’ (Russia) | Oleg Asadulin
Best Eurasian Short Film ‘Happy Independence Day’ (Kazakhstan) | Camila Sagyntkan
Best Eurasian Documentary Film ‘Sailing Seven Seas’ (Russia-Kyrgyzstan) | Tatiana Borsh
Best Eurasian Screenplay in English ‘Live Your Life’ (Austria) | Philipp Weiler
Best Eurasian Screenplay in Russian ‘The Godfather’ (Russia) | Claudia Bershadskaya, Zahar Khungureev
Additional Awards:
Best Eurasian Cinematography ‘Gazelle’ (Iran) | Houshang Golmakani
Audience Choice Award ‘Sharaf Rashidov-the Inspirer for the Development of Mirzachul’ (Uzbekistan) | Shukhrat Khaitov
Honorary Achievement Certificate for Documentary Drama ‘Behtarin’ (Kuwait-Tajikistan) | Mohsen Rahimi
Honorary Achievement Certificate for Music Video ‘Angel’s Star’ by Natasha Hart MBE (UK) | Tamara Egorova, Oliver Morris ‘Mirror’ (Armenia) | Romen Tsaturian
Certificate of Acknowledgment For exceptional efforts in advancing literature through cinema ‘3723 Voznesensky’ (Russia) | Valery Belov
Marta Brassart, Chairman of the Eurasian Creative Guild, presented medals of appreciation to artist Rahima Arli, film director Timur Akhmedjanov, and the musical duo Sherkhon. The awards ceremony featured performances by the Uzbek duo Sherxon and Kamshat Kumysbai, director of the Kazakh Cultural Centre in London.
The festival was attended by artists from Italy, Kazakhstan, Poland, the USA, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Austria, Uzbekistan, and beyond. Notable figures such as directors and producers Paul Brett, Kathy Tyson, Cammy Darweish, and Meredith Brett were also present, enjoying the showcase of Eurasian films.
Distinguished guests included the Mayor of Romford, Gerry O’Sullivan, MPs from the London Borough of Havering, and representatives from the embassies of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Russia, and Belarus.
The event also featured a music concert, a masterclass in mask and costume making for film, and a book exhibition from Hertfordshire Press.
Visitors to the ECG Film Festival also paid homage to the Kazat Akmatov Memorial in Romford, a symbol of strength for Central Asian artists residing in or visiting London.
