The grand opening of the International Film Festival Gorkut ata will take place in Ashgabat. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the participants and guests of the festival, emphasizing the importance of cultural diplomacy in international relations. The head of state noted that Turkmenistan actively develops friendly ties with other countries, paying special attention to culture and art as bridges of friendship.

The main goal of the festival is to promote cooperation in the field of cinematography and the development of cinema among Turkic peoples. The participation of well-known film experts, actors, and experts from Russia and Turkic states testifies to the large-scale interaction in this area.

In the congratulatory message published on the TDH website, it says:

Dear participants of the international film festival!
Dear guests!

I sincerely congratulate you on the opening of the International Film Festival "Gorkut ata" held in Ashgabat! I wish great success to the work of this film forum, which will become a unique contribution to the improvement of multifaceted culture and the spiritual rapprochement of the Turkic peoples!

Today, in accordance with the goals arising from the legal status of permanent neutrality, independent Turkmenistan is developing friendly relations with the states of the planet. In our country, large-scale work is being carried out aimed at further strengthening universal peace and mutual understanding. In international relations, great importance is attached to cultural diplomacy. Because culture and art serve as a bridge of friendship, bringing peoples closer together.

Dear participants of the film festival!

As a result of the wise, far-sighted policy of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag, our Motherland has become a land of friendship, brotherhood, and international cooperation. As you know, at the meeting of the Permanent Council of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), the year 2024 was declared the "Year of the great poet and thinker of the Turkic world - Magtymguly Pyragy," and the ancient city of Anau was declared the cultural capital of the Turkic world for this year.

The holding of the International Film Festival "Gorkut ata" in the city of Ashgabat with the participation of representatives of the Turkic states during the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great master of words in the year "The Ocean of Wisdom Magtymguly Pyragy" is of great importance. Today, all conditions have been created in our white-marble capital for organizing international festivals, concerts, and forums at a high level. The accumulated experience of our country in this area is recognized worldwide.

Dear friends!

Since ancient times, Turkmen land has been considered a center of culture, art, science, and education. It has become famous for great personalities who have left an indelible mark on history. This is the land where such famous Seljuk sultans as Toghrul Beg, Chaghri Beg, Alp Arslan, Malik Shah, and Sultan Sanjar lived. Today, the national cultural heritage and values inherited from our glorious ancestors are being further developed.

The naming of the "Türkmenfilm" Association after Oguz Khan is a clear sign of high respect for our courageous ancestors and our great history. We are sincerely proud of the successes of the films created by the "Türkmenfilm" Association named after Oguz Khan at international film festivals.

Today, we attach great importance to the development of cinematography, the creation and showing of national films, the holding of film festivals, and the participation of Turkmen specialists in events organized abroad. Last year, the International Film Festival "Arkadagyň säheri" was successfully held in the city of Arkadag, founded on the initiative of Hero-Arkadag. Rich in content, it contributed to the further strengthening of international ties in the field of cinema.

The main goal of the International Film Festival "Gorkut ata," held with the participation of representatives of the Turkic states, is to promote cooperation in the field of cinematography, the development of cinema art, and the introduction of the world community to the culture of the Turkic peoples.

The participation of well-known film experts, actors, and experts from the Russian Federation together with the Turkic states in this event testifies to the large-scale interaction in this direction.

Dear guests!

Today, the modern achievements in the field of cinema art call on peoples to peace, contribute to unity and solidarity. The power of art becomes a miracle that unites hearts. I am firmly convinced that the events that will take place within the framework of the International Film Festival "Gorkut ata" will contribute to the further strengthening of friendship and brotherhood between peoples and the development of cultural cooperation.

Dear participants of the film festival!
Dear friends!

Once again, I sincerely congratulate you on the opening of the International Film Festival "Gorkut ata"!

I wish you all good health, family well-being, and creative success!