Film “Taymetov. Herald of Victory” Contends for BAFTA Award

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  The documentary film Taymetov. Herald of Victory, produced at the initiative of Uzbekistan Airports, may be submitted in one of the BAFTA award categories, potentially becoming the first Uzbek film in history to be nominated for this prestigious accolade.

The film, based on archival materials documenting the establishment of Tashkent Airport, has been selected for the main competition of the London Independent International Film Festival & Awards (SIFFA UK), which will take place from 20 to 27 November at the renowned Piccadilly Vue Cinema.

“For us, this film is more than just a project — it is a tribute to heroes whom history has almost forgotten. We want their feats to be recognized beyond Uzbekistan, and participating in such prestigious festivals is an important step in that direction,” emphasized the press service of Uzbekistan Airports.

The documentary focuses on Abdusamat Taymetov, the first Uzbek military and civil pilot, who played a significant role during World War II and later became the first director of Tashkent Airport. The film premiered in May at the Dialogue of Cultures media forum in Moscow. In a short time, it has won several awards: recognized as the Best Debut at the XXXIV International Film Forum Golden Knight, awarded the Press Prize at the Eurasia-Kinofest, and received a special diploma at the Dialogue of Cultures forum.

The BAFTA Award, established by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, is regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in the global film industry. Past recipients include Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Hugh Grant, and other prominent figures of the arts.

The ceremony is traditionally held between the Golden Globes and the Oscars and is often seen as an indicator of potential outcomes at the world’s most prominent film awards.