ASHGABAT, December 19 | ORIENT. The Turkmen-Uzbek co-production "Magtymguly Fragi" (2024) returns to Moscow screens. From December 19 to 23, the legendary Illusion Cinema Theater is hosting free screenings of the films competing in the first Open Eurasian Film Award "Diamond Butterfly."

The Turkmen film, dedicated to the life and philosophical quest of the great 18th-century poet, will be shown to audiences on December 21 at 5:00 PM. Directed by Muzaffarhan Erkinov, the film is shown in its original language with Russian subtitles, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the melody and depth of Magtymguly’s poetic style.

As ORIENT previously reported, the first Diamond Butterfly Awards ceremony at the Nikita Mikhalkov Theater was also significant for Turkmen cinema. As a reminder, Meilis Khudaiberenov was awarded the Best Art Director award for his work on the film "Composer."

The inclusion of "Magtymguly Fragi" in the Moscow screening program, alongside works from Russia, China, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries, confirms the high status of national cinema in the Eurasian space.

For the large Turkmen diaspora in Russia and for Turkmen students studying at Moscow universities, this screening will be more than just a cultural event, but an opportunity to connect with the roots of national identity. The screening at the Illusion Cinema Theater is expected to attract many compatriots for whom the name of Magtymguly is the main symbol of spiritual unity.

The screenings are organized by the Russian Culture Foundation with the support of the Russian Ministry of Culture and ROSKINO.