Nukus Hosts First French Culture Festival

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The French Embassy in Uzbekistan announced the launch of the first French Culture Month in Nukus, running from 27 October to 30 November 2025.

During this period, a wide range of interdisciplinary cultural events will showcase the richness and diversity of cultural exchange between France and Uzbekistan, particularly with the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

The program is organized by the French Embassy in close collaboration with the Savitsky Museum, Nukus Conservatory, Institute of Arts and Culture, Berdakh Theater, Academy of Arts, and several educational institutions. Residents and visitors of the city will have the opportunity to attend screenings, exhibitions, concerts, artist talks, and masterclasses throughout the month.

The initiative aims to promote education through culture, strengthen dialogue, and foster knowledge exchange among artists, students, and the broader public from France, Uzbekistan, and Karakalpakstan.

Key Events:

Documentary Film Week for High School Students (Oct 27–31, School No. 1, Nukus) — Students will explore French documentaries and create short films under the guidance of expert Luc Toven.

Photo Exhibition “Uzbek View of France” (Nov 5–30, School of Arts, Nukus) — Young photographers showcase contemporary France through Uzbek youth perspectives; masterclass by photographer Bobur Alimkhodzhaev.

“Digital Autumn in Nukus” – Immersive Art Festival (Nov 5–9, Savitsky Museum) — VR exhibition in partnership with Less Media, Vronica, and Moc Creative.

Photo Exhibition “Aral Sea: Memory and Splendor” (Nov 15–30, Exhibition Hall, Nukus) — French photographer Eric Gourlan presents works on the Aral Sea, with a roundtable discussion on photography and the legacy of Uzbek master Khudoybergen Devonov.

Concerts and Masterclasses by Trio Trielen (Nov 17–20, Nukus Conservatory) — Musicians lead concerts and wind instrument sessions for students.

Masterclasses by Director Nathalie Conio (Nov 26–28, Berdakh Theater) — French director and educator conducts training for students and actors; top participants may be invited to the OFF Festival in Avignon, July 2026.

Closing Concert – Pianist Maxime Zecchini (Nov 27–28, Nukus Conservatory) — The festival concludes with a solo concert and masterclasses by the renowned pianist.