The official launch of the project on the screening of the documentary “Uzbekistan - Turquoise Steppe” (“Ouzbèkistan - la turquoise des steppes”) by the famous French director Gilles Uber took place in 19 cultural centers of Belgium and Luxemburg.
The project is being implemented by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in the Benelux countries together with the Belgian non-governmental organization “Exploration du Monde”.
The movie was shot in 2017 by Gilles Uber and his wife Danielle Uber during their 4 months trip to Uzbekistan.
The idea of the film was born during a tour of Gilles Uber and his wife Danielle Uber in 2017 in the countries of Central Asia, the Middle East, India, Siberia and the Far East. They shot the movie while traveling for 4 months in Uzbekistan.
“In the heart of Central Asia, between the steppes and deserts, the route along the legendary silk roads makes us discover Uzbekistan: a secular country with strong traditions, remnants of rare elegance and hospitality,” the film says. - Enjoy a delicious breakfast before setting off to explore the planet. This separate universe is part of the Silk Road, used to exchange both rare and precious materials, as well as know-how, sciences, religions and philosophy. The author of a fascinating motion picture, Gilles Uber and his wife Daniel, have been in Uzbekistan for almost four months, having visited both the deserts of the Aral Sea and the capital, Tashkent, in between living in such beautiful tourist cities as Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva. ”
Representatives of European External Action Service, European Parliament, the diplomatic corps accredited in Brussels, cultural centers, travel agencies, expert-analytical sectors of the country, journalists, as well as Uzbek citizens living in Europe attended the launch ceremony.
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Uzbekistan Dilyor Hakimov greeted the visitors and briefed about Uzbekistan’s current development activities and reforms. He introduced the guests to the touristic and economic potential of the country, rich in historical and cultural heritage. The Ambassador also mentioned the measures on developing the Great Silk Road concept in cooperation with UNWTO. The unique cultural and historical heritage of the countries of the Great Silk Road region is being promoted within the frame of the current concept. According to UNWTO, 80% of world travelers are familiar with the “Silk Road”, whereas the powerful economic edition “Forbes” considers the current concept as one of the major brands.
Vice-president of the EXPLO (“Exploration du Monde” NGO) Arnaud Van Schevensteen also noted that his organization is planning to take an active part in various events dedicated to traditions and culture of different nations and nationalities.
The author of the movie Gilles Uber shared his impressions of the Uzbekistan trip with the guests and told that he tried his best to learn the cultural aspects of Uzbek civilization deeply and aimed to deliver it to the audience. During the filming process he met and talked with many people, who have left an unforgettable impression on him.
As mentioned by the creators of the movie, it serves as an invitation for Belgians to open new Uzbekistan for themselves.
“This extraordinary documentary demonstrates the unique identity of the Uzbek nation. I have traveled all over Central Asia, and Uzbekistan stands out amongst all of those countries. Uzbek culture is so rich and diverse that the film was not able to capture and encompass all of the great diversity and colors that Uzbekistan is famous for” - said Tony Van der Eecken, Deputy Director of the Music Department of the Fine Arts Centre BOZAR ART.
“We have been closely cooperating with the diplomatic missions of Central Asian countries in Brussels, and for instance, we celebrate Navruz holiday together. Thanks to our mutual cooperation Navruz has become popular outside the region, particularly in Brussels” – he also added.
Giles Merritt, the Founder and Director of the Analytical Center FRIENDS OF EUROPE mentioned that he was very impressed by the movie, especially since they are planning to visit Uzbekistan soon. He said that after watching the documentary he definitely made sure that the trip should take place without postponing.
“The movie talks about the unique country starting from Karakaplakstan region ending in the cities of the Great Silk Road. It has visually demonstrated the audience with all the advantages and bounties of Uzbekistan, giving a reason to visit the country for sure” – Alberto Turkstra, the Chief Researcher of EIAS (European Institute for Asian Studies).
