Eldjon Abbasov is the head of the Film Found of Uzbekistan, a producer and a film director. He is currently producing a documentary film titled "THE EVIL." He is also the co-author of the book Cinematography of Uzbekistan. In 1988, Eldjon graduated from the National Institute of Cinematographers in Moscow and studied under the famous filmmaker Marlen Khutsiev, who is known for his cult films such as "Zasata Ilyicha" (I am Twenty) and "July River." From 1991 to 2001, he operated a private advertising agency in Uzbekistan and Russia. He also wrote a literary series titled "Tsartsvo Tenei" (Realm of Shadows). Since 2005, Eldjon has worked as a freelance cinematographer and film director, and his main focus is documentary films that emphasize ethnographic, ecological and historical subject matter. His filmography includes "Anthology of the Photo" (2011), "Arcadia" (2016) and "The Heritage" (2018). His other projects are the 2018 "THE HERITAGE" documentary on Bukharian Jews and the 2018 "KINOLEKTORIY - Lectures about the Cinema" media project. 

2023 IVLP Impact Award Project: Madonna of Uzbekistan

Eldjon created a short documentary about the lives and works of women artists throughout Uzbek history. Through a combination of archival research, interviews, and artistic analysis, the documentary paints a vivid picture of the challenges, triumphs, and artistic expressions of these women. The project premiered at the Human House Gallery in Tashkent, followed by two screenings at the Savitsky Museum of Art in Nukus. The screenings were attended by more than 500 community members, artists, scholars, and students. The post-screening Q&A sessions facilitated dynamic and interactive discussions about the historical context, contemporary challenges, and future prospects for women in Uzbek art.

Click here to view the film

"Eldjon Abbasov’s film shows this amazing combination of old cinema, archival and documentary footage, and memories of people… It seems to me that this film… turned out to be very sincere, very honest, and a great artistic statement characterizing this complex but inevitable process." - Film Viewer

2022 IVLP Impact Award Project: FAKE NEWS - Disarming Disinformation

This project included production of a film showing the effect of fake news through the example of Russian propaganda channels in Uzbekistan. The film was initially screened at Human House Gallery, with the Ambassadors of Ukraine and Poland to Uzbekistan in attendance. Since its premiere, the film has received more than 1,000 views.

To view the film with English subtitles, please visit: https://vimeo.com/846176720/7a790007d4?share=copy.

To view the film with Uzbek subtitles, please visit: https://vimeo.com/846176980/18f8189707?share=copy.

"I liked it a lot. It touched my feelings. Watched it at one go. The dialogue is trustworthy and desperately open.” - Film Viewer

IVLP Exchange Experience

Eldjon participated in the IVLP Project 21st Century ChangeMakers: StoryTelling and Documentary Filmmaking in 2021 and 2022, both organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education, in partnership with Global Minnesota, Colorado Springs World Affairs Council, International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles, Global Ties Arizona, World Affairs Council of Las Vegas, and the U.S. Department of State Office of International Visitors program branch in New York City.

Eldjon's exchange experience led him to develop his IVLP Impact Award Project: "I learned a lot during IVLP from lectures and workshops, for which I am very grateful. I will certainly implement my knowledge and will try to share it with as many girls and women that will take part in the project, as possible."

U.S. Communities Visited in 2022

Grand Canyon, AZ; Phoenix, AZ; Los Angeles, CA; Washington, DC; Las Vegas, NV

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually in 2021

Colorado Springs, AZ; Los Angeles, CA; Washington, DC; Minneapolis, MN; New York City, NY

Country: Uzbekistan

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