The winner was announced during the closing ceremony by Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy, Mirbek Mambetaliev.

Summing up the four-day event, the minister noted that Kyrgyzstan had the honor of hosting the large-scale international film forum for the first time.

«Over the past few days, we have watched outstanding, talented and thought-provoking films, discovered new names, exchanged professional experience, and once again confirmed that the language of cinema knows no borders. It brings together people of different cultures, traditions and worldviews, helping us better understand one another,» he said.

Mirbek Mambetaliev thanked the participating countries, the international jury, directors, producers, actors, and organizers for their contribution to the festival.

According to the minister, every film selected for the competition had already become a winner by resonating with audiences.

«But every competition requires choosing the best among the best. Today, the international jury made the difficult decision of selecting the recipient of the festival’s highest award,» he said.

He then announced that the Grand Prix had been awarded to Kara Kyzyl Sary (Black, Red, Yellow), produced by the Kyrgyzfilm National Film Studio.

The announcement was welcomed with prolonged applause from the audience. The victory of the Kyrgyz film marked the highlight of the closing ceremony of the first SCO International Film Festival, held on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake from July 16 to 19.

The festival brought together filmmakers from eight SCO member states and served as a platform for competition screenings, professional discussions, and the development of international cooperation in the film industry.