The University of Central Asia recently organised a Festival entitled Nomad 2023 – A Living Land in Naryn. The three-day event attracted a diverse audience of artists, filmmakers, writers, and creatives from Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia, and beyond. The festival showcased a range of works that explored the relationship between people and the land, and how this relationship shapes human identity and culture. This central theme promoted sustainable practices and encouraged a deeper understanding of preserving the environment for future generations. The spotlight event was the International Film Festival, which screened a selection of films that explored the theme of land from more than 40 countries and from six continents. The films were judged by a panel of local and international experts. The winning artists were recognised at a special awards night. Another highlight of the festival was the Creative Writing and Digital Experiments Competition, which invited international and regional participants to submit works that explored the theme of land while experimenting with digital prose and composition. The festival also featured exhibitions, and practical workshops on filmmaking, creative writing, and digital art, which were led by experts in their fields. Nomad 2023 facilitated cultural exchange between visitors and the local community, allowing international guests to immerse themselves in the nomadic way of life. This interaction not only empowered mountain communities but also promoted tourism, boosting the local economy. Nomad 2023 served as a catalyst for sustainable development and promoted awareness around environmental conservation in mountain regions. It was a celebration of cultural diversity and unity, where the participants forged connections that transcended borders and languages barriers through their creative expressions. Winners of the International Film Festival Regional Category Best Film Award: Shades of Melancholy, Director Karash Zhanyshov Best Visual Solution: Shades of Melancholy, Director of Photography Bekzat Turatbek uulu Special Jury Prize: Earth, Directors Aliman Toktogulova and Umarjon Jumaev International Category Best Film Award: Bauxite, Director Thamara Pereira Best Visual Solution: Suitcase, Director of Photography Hamed Baghaeian Special Jury Prize: Suitcase, Directors Saman Hosseinpuor and Ako Zandkarimi Winners of the Digital Experiment and Creative Writing Competition Most Outstanding Creative Work: Seaweed by Michiel Turner Most Promising Artist: Deora by Alexandra Bell Most Promising Artist in Central Asia: Currents of the Memory by Darika Urgazieva Jury award for Best Work which most skillfully addressed the competition theme: Ubuntu by Edu Sanchez Lopez
Source: Kyrgyz National News Agency