From July 16 to 19, 2026, the city of Cholpon-Ata will host the International Film Festival of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states. This large-scale cultural project is being held as part of the celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the SCO and the chairmanship of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Organization.

The film festival will serve as a crucial international platform for strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation, developing professional networks, and expanding collaboration in the sphere of cinematography among SCO member states.

Official delegations of filmmakers, representatives of the film industry, production centers, film organizations, and relevant agencies from the eight SCO member states have been invited to participate.

The competition program will showcase feature films from SCO countries that reflect the modern development of national cinematographies. Furthermore, audiences will be presented with a panorama of national cinema from 2024–2026, special retrospective screenings dedicated to the work of the prominent cinematographer and People's Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kadyrzhan Kydyraliev, as well as special cultural events.

The festival's business program includes an international roundtable dedicated to cooperation in cinematography, joint film production, exchange of experience, and the development of cultural ties between SCO countries.

The competition program will be evaluated by an international jury consisting of eight renowned film industry figures from the SCO member states. Winners in the competition categories will be announced at the end of the festival.

The closing ceremony will conclude with an awards presentation for the winners and a gala concert featuring prominent cultural and art figures.

The International SCO Film Festival is organized by the Department of Cinematography under the Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The film festival is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Hosting the International SCO Film Festival will be a significant cultural event for the residents and tourists of Kyrgyzstan, contributing to the development of international cinematographic cooperation, strengthening humanitarian ties, and promoting cultural dialogue among the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.