The Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan has responded to reports of the cancellation of the international documentary film festival Artdocfest / Asia in Tashkent. Russian director Vitaly Mansky announced on Facebook that the screening of his film "Eastern Front" at the 139 Documentary Center gallery as part of the festival was disrupted. Mansky stated that all subsequent screenings of the festival program were also banned by the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan, marking the first incident of this kind in the venue's four-year history.
The Ministry of Culture highlighted that according to the legislation, private entrepreneurs must seek approval from the Cinematography Agency to screen national and foreign films in Uzbekistan, with the agency having 10 working days to review the request. Additionally, strict adherence to a set of requirements and conditions for mass film screenings is mandatory, and failure to comply leads to the revocation of screening permits.
Furthermore, organizers are required to obtain permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to hold mass events in Uzbekistan. Despite the official warning from law enforcement agencies, the Artdocfest / Asia event scheduled for April 2-8 in Tashkent proceeded without the necessary approval, constituting an administrative violation, as stated by the Ministry of Culture.
The Ministry emphasized that it is not within its authority to suspend mass events, including festivals and film screenings. The statement underscored the importance of following legal procedures and obtaining the required permits for organizing such events in Uzbekistan.
