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Kiera Chaplin, actress, entrepreneur and granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin, travelled to Tashkent this week for a cultural event centred on international film cooperation, attending alongside Uzbekistan’s Minister of Culture Ozodbek Nazarbekov and First Deputy Minister and Cinematography Agency Director Jahongir Ahmedov.
The programme, held with support from the Ministry of Culture, comprised a press conference on cross-border collaboration in the film industry, a Chaplin Awards ceremony conducted in partnership with The Hollywood Reporter, and an evening film screening.
At the press conference, participants discussed Tashkent’s potential role in fostering cultural dialogue and the relationship between the region’s national cinematic traditions and the wider international industry. Kiera Chaplin spoke about her impressions of Uzbekistan, citing its cultural heritage and artistic traditions. She said humanism, sincerity and kindness were the qualities that defined her grandfather’s work, and described the significance of presenting an award bearing his name in Uzbekistan as particularly meaningful.
Awards ceremony
The centrepiece of the evening was the Chaplin Awards. Russian actress Leonela Manturova received the Golden Cane Award in recognition of her portrayals of strong female characters in historical films. Renowned Uzbek film director Shukhrat Abbasov was honoured posthumously for his contributions to national cinema; his son Eljon Abbasov accepted the award on his behalf.
The Hollywood Reporter named Boris Khanchalyan a Featured Producer, citing his contribution to the film industry. The publication also recognised Russian media executive Alina Zinnatullina, an executive producer of the documentary film Homeland of Champions: Islam Makhachev, dedicated to the mixed martial arts athlete. Zinnatullina presented the film on stage during the ceremony.
Closing screening
The event concluded with a screening of Haqqim bor (I Have the Right), an Uzbek film that premiered in 2025. The film follows children who have experienced violence, exploring their emotional struggles and their desire to find a place in society. Its themes centre on the protection of children’s rights and the provision of social support to vulnerable young people.