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Intensive Production Camp for Young Documentary Filmmakers Concludes in Kyrgyzstan
A six-day production camp for emerging documentary directors and producers took place at the ololoAkJol coworking resort.
The program became a key event of the Bishkek Documentary Lab, implemented with the financial support of Kyrgyzfilm National Film Studio as part of the implementation of clauses 2 and 3 of the Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic on the Development of the National Film Industry No.159 dated May 20, 2022.
This year’s intensive brought together nine emerging documentary filmmakers, selected through a competitive process. The jury consisted of the program’s mentors, representatives of Kyrgyzfilm, and the laboratory team. Under the guidance of experienced international mentors, participants developed their projects, preparing them for entry into the international market. The program’s goal is to provide both theoretical and practical skills necessary for creating competitive films.
International mentors of the program:
Bishkek Documentary Lab helps emerging authors fill knowledge gaps, learn international standards, and establish connections with film industry professionals. Going forward, participants will continue working within a six-month mentorship program. They will have monthly online consultations and guidance up to the stage of preparing a film package and a finished teaser.
“We are witnessing the rise of a new generation of documentary filmmakers in Kyrgyzstan, ready to speak to the world in a shared language. This intensive is not only about filming and editing—it’s about confidence, networking, and the opportunity to make your voice heard on the international stage,” noted Adilet Karzhoev, Head of Bishkek Documentary Lab.
The project is implemented with the financial support of the National Film Studio Kyrgyzfilm and in partnership with the American University of Central Asia (AUCA).
Contact us:
Adilet Karzhoev, Head of the Lab
📞 +996 551 500 111
✉️ bishdoclab@gmail.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/bishdoclab/
https://www.instagram.com/adilet_karzhoev/
The program became a key event of the Bishkek Documentary Lab, implemented with the financial support of Kyrgyzfilm National Film Studio as part of the implementation of clauses 2 and 3 of the Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic on the Development of the National Film Industry No.159 dated May 20, 2022.
This year’s intensive brought together nine emerging documentary filmmakers, selected through a competitive process. The jury consisted of the program’s mentors, representatives of Kyrgyzfilm, and the laboratory team. Under the guidance of experienced international mentors, participants developed their projects, preparing them for entry into the international market. The program’s goal is to provide both theoretical and practical skills necessary for creating competitive films.
International mentors of the program:
- Marianna Kaat (Estonia) — An award-winning director and producer with more than 20 years of experience, founder of Baltic Film Production, Associate Professor at Tallinn University, and curator of the Doc@PÖFF program at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. Her films include Life of Ivanna, Close Relations, and Pit No 8, all winners at major international festivals. Recipient of the Charles E. Guggenheim Emerging Artist Award and the European Trailblazer title (MIPDOC Cannes). She actively mentors, teaches, and serves on juries at leading industry events.
- Katerina Suvorova (Kazakhstan) — A filmmaker known for vibrant, socially significant documentaries exploring environmental and cultural transformations in Central Asia. Her film Sea Tomorrow, about the fate of the Aral Sea, was released on Netflix Europe; Face The Music had a national theatrical release; and her Qoryqpa: Streets Loud With Echoes premiered at Hot Docs in 2024. Founder of the atelier Tihiy Svet, co-founder of QAZDOC, and author of the channel DOCUSTAN.
- Askold Kurov — Documentary director and producer, instructor at the online film school Un/Filmed, and member of the American Television Academy. He has led projects that screened at prestigious international festivals such as the Berlinale and Sundance. His expertise covers all aspects of documentary filmmaking—from research and pre-production to post-production and distribution.
Bishkek Documentary Lab helps emerging authors fill knowledge gaps, learn international standards, and establish connections with film industry professionals. Going forward, participants will continue working within a six-month mentorship program. They will have monthly online consultations and guidance up to the stage of preparing a film package and a finished teaser.
“We are witnessing the rise of a new generation of documentary filmmakers in Kyrgyzstan, ready to speak to the world in a shared language. This intensive is not only about filming and editing—it’s about confidence, networking, and the opportunity to make your voice heard on the international stage,” noted Adilet Karzhoev, Head of Bishkek Documentary Lab.
The project is implemented with the financial support of the National Film Studio Kyrgyzfilm and in partnership with the American University of Central Asia (AUCA).
Contact us:
Adilet Karzhoev, Head of the Lab
📞 +996 551 500 111
✉️ bishdoclab@gmail.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/bishdoclab/
https://www.instagram.com/adilet_karzhoev/
Applications are now open for Bishkek Documentary Lab (BishDocLab)
BishDocLab is a unique opportunity for Kyrgyzstani filmmakers to develop their first or second feature-length documentary under the guidance of renowned masters of the genre.
This free six-month program includes an intensive workshop at Issyk-Kul, one-on-one mentorship, lectures by international experts and a final presentation in Bishkek.
Important information:
Important information:
🔹 Open to filmmakers from Kyrgyzstan aged 18+ with prior filmmaking experience
🔹 Only feature-length creative documentaries are eligible
🔹 Selection criteria: originality of the idea, authorial vision, and strong visual style
Download the project application template, fill out the form and join the documentary filmmaking community!
❗Application deadline - July 10, 2025
Organizers: BishDocLab, Kyrgyzfilm National Film Studio, AUCA
This free six-month program includes an intensive workshop at Issyk-Kul, one-on-one mentorship, lectures by international experts and a final presentation in Bishkek.
Important information:
Important information:
🔹 Open to filmmakers from Kyrgyzstan aged 18+ with prior filmmaking experience
🔹 Only feature-length creative documentaries are eligible
🔹 Selection criteria: originality of the idea, authorial vision, and strong visual style
Download the project application template, fill out the form and join the documentary filmmaking community!
❗Application deadline - July 10, 2025
Organizers: BishDocLab, Kyrgyzfilm National Film Studio, AUCA
