The festival also functioned as a forum for the region’s film industry. Discussions covered co-production and financing, along with the possibility of creating a common SCO film market. A proposal to establish a dedicated co-production fund drew particular attention. Such a fund could support joint productions rather than limiting cooperation to cultural exchanges.

Participants also discussed training for young filmmakers and closer ties between film schools. Joint workshops were another area of interest. For Kyrgyz cinema, access to larger production markets could open new sources of financing and support the transfer of technical expertise. It could also help domestic films reach international audiences.

Iranian jury member Ruhollah Hosseini expressed hope for peace in his country before presenting an award, giving the ceremony a more personal note.

Hosting the festival was also significant for Kyrgyzstan. As the country chairs the SCO, Issyk-Kul has become one of the organization’s main venues. The festival added a cultural dimension to that role and brought officials and filmmakers from across the SCO to Kyrgyzstan.

The event could also bring longer-term benefits to the Issyk-Kul Region. Visiting filmmakers were able to see the area’s mountain scenery and historic locations. They also viewed local facilities that could support future productions, potentially increasing interest in Issyk-Kul as a filming destination.

Whether the festival becomes more than a one-off event will depend on the implementation of the initiatives announced in Cholpon-Ata. If the proposed co-production fund is established and the professional contacts formed during the festival develop into joint projects, the first SCO Film Festival could mark the beginning of a more integrated regional film industry rather than simply another entry on the cultural calendar.

Earlier this year, The Times of Central Asia reported that the Bishkek International Film Festival had grown into one of Central Asia’s leading film industry platforms, attracting participants from more than 30 countries.