“Country Placement”: showcasing the Uzbekistan brand to global audiences through international cinema
2026-07-10 11:05:00 / News
This mechanism is widely regarded as one of the most effective long-term investments in film-induced tourism. Once a feature film or television series is released internationally or becomes available on leading global streaming platforms such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, the locations featured on screen often become sought-after travel destinations for millions of viewers worldwide.
As a result, a one-time government incentive for film production can generate a sustained influx of high-value international visitors over the following five to ten years, delivering long-term economic benefits to the tourism sector.
As part of the program, the Tourism Product Development Project Office will continuously monitor the global film industry, identify promising international productions at the script development and pre-production stages, and engage directly with foreign production companies to explore cooperation opportunities.
Each project submitted to the Commission must include detailed information on the foreign production company, a synopsis of the film, information about the creative team and principal cast, the planned release date, a description of the scenes featuring Uzbekistan, concept artwork or video materials, documentation confirming the film's planned international theatrical release or distribution through a global streaming platform, an assessment of the expected media impact, and the amount of financial support requested.
Under the Resolution, Uzbekistan’s tourism potential, historical and cultural heritage, and other key national assets must be portrayed in a way that allows audiences to clearly recognize them as representing Uzbekistan. To qualify for government support, a film must satisfy at least one of the established eligibility criteria.
Specifically, the production must either be guaranteed distribution on an international streaming platform with at least one million paid subscribers, or receive a wide theatrical release in no fewer than three foreign countries, with screenings on at least 1,000 cinema screens in total.
In addition, the film’s director, executive producer, or one of the lead actors must be a recipient of an Academy Award (Oscar), Golden Globe, or BAFTA Award, or a winner or special prize recipient at an FIAPF-accredited Category A international film festival.
The Commission will review each application within 15 working days. The amount of financial support provided under the Country Placement program will be determined individually for each project and formally approved through an official protocol.
Following the signing of an agreement between the Tourism Committee and the foreign production company, funding will be disbursed in two stages. The first installment will be released after the completion of filming in Uzbekistan and verification that the relevant scenes meet all established requirements. The remaining payment will be made after the film's international theatrical release or its official premiere on the agreed international streaming platforms.
By integrating Uzbekistan into internationally distributed film productions, the Country Placement program is expected to significantly strengthen the country's global visibility, enhance its international tourism brand, stimulate film-induced tourism, and attract new investment into the creative and tourism industries.