Jizzakh, the vibrant city in Uzbekistan, took center stage as it became a symbol for the prestigious ECG Film Festival held in London. The festival, which showcased films from around the world, culminated in an award ceremony dedicated to Maria Akhmedjanova-Shevel, a renowned architect and creative artist from Uzbekistan, on the occasion of her 80th birthday.
Maria Akhmedjanova-Shevel, born in May 1943, holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Uzbekistan. Working under the guidance of Sharaf Rashidov, she played a crucial role in developing the architectural appearance of Jizzakh, the hometown of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. She was recognized with several esteemed state awards, including Hero of Labor, Veteran of Labor, and Medal of Maternity.
The ceremony, held at the ECG Film Festival on May 30th, aimed to pay tribute to Maria Akhmedjanova-Shevel’s remarkable achievements and life experiences. Since 2014, the prestigious Maria Shevel Prize has been awarded annually for the best children’s work as part of the renowned international literary competition “Open Eurasia.” Her name has become synonymous with outstanding creative accomplishments in children’s literature.
Alexandra Ray, one of the organizers of the ECG Film Festival, explained, “We decided to dedicate the award ceremony to the memory of Maria Akhmedjanova-Shevel as a tribute to her accomplishments and life experiences. She represents the multinational city of Jizzakh, which has given the world talented writers such as Hamid Alimzhan and Zulfiya, among many others. Jizzakh has also produced exceptional leaders for Uzbekistan.”
The ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed guests, including Stephanie Nunn, the Mayor of the London Borough of Havering, and representatives from the embassies of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Belarus. Their presence highlighted the significance of the event in promoting cultural exchange and strengthening ties between nations.
The ECG Film Festival showcased a diverse range of films from countries such as France, Kazakhstan, Russia, Sweden, Poland, Great Britain, and Iran. Alongside the screenings, the festival featured exhibitions, presentations, and performances by talented artists, providing a platform for cultural exchange and artistic appreciation.
Gareth Stump, Chairman of the Eurasian Creative Guild (London), expressed his delight, stating, “It is wonderful that the film festival culminated in an award ceremony dedicated to an outstanding woman from Uzbekistan, as it is through such individuals that the world learns about Uzbekistan and its rich culture.”
Since its inception in 2019, the ECG Film Festival has attracted numerous talented and ambitious individuals seeking to explore new facets of cinematography. Organized by the Eurasian Creative Guild (London) in partnership with the Romford Film Festival, the festival continues to serve as a platform for cultural exchange, artistic expression, and discovery.
As Jizzakh shines at the ECG Film Festival in London, the celebration of Maria Akhmedjanova-Shevel’s legacy and the vibrant cultural contributions of Uzbekistan serve as a reminder of the city’s rich heritage and its talented artists who continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
