The banned film "Anora" in Uzbekistan has been hailed by global film critics as the best of the year.

Uzbekistan, Tashkent – AN Podrobno.uz. Global film critics have hailed Sean Baker's "Anora" as the best film of the year. However, this movie, which previously won the prestigious Palme d'Or at Cannes, will not be available for viewing in Uzbekistan. It has been banned from being shown in local cinemas and on external platforms. Experts in the field point out that there is "nothing in the film that could offend the dignity of the people."

https://podrobno.uz/cat/calche/zapreshchennyy-v-uzbekistane-film-anora-priznan-mirovymi-kinokritikami-luchshim-v-ukhodyashchem/2024-12-18 08:12:08

Let us remind you that the film "Anora" tells the story of a Brooklyn stripper with Uzbek roots, who captures the heart of the son of a Russian oligarch.

According to a poll conducted by IndieWire, it decisively won the "Best Film" category, garnering 50% of all votes. It also took first place for Best Screenplay and third for Best Direction. The survey included 177 critics from Variety, The New Yorker, Associated Press, and other foreign media outlets.

The film has been banned from screening in Uzbekistan. This was stated by Farukh Tulyaganov, the owner of a cinema chain, in an interview with Kun.uz. He noted that he wanted to bring the film for screenings, but was denied.

"There is nothing on the big screen that could offend the honor of the people. Many conclusions are drawn based on reviews and synopses that the average viewer typically does not read. Unfortunately, the film's ban is almost explained as a conspiracy by Western countries against the reforms of New Uzbekistan, which is entirely incorrect," he said.

It is worth noting that the Cinematography Agency perceived the film as an attempt to discredit the Uzbek people.

Eldar Yuldashev, a curator of screen content at Revolution Entertainment, mentioned in a conversation with a journalist from the publication that the uproar surrounding the film was largely fueled by social media postings. Representatives of Uzbek Telegram channels labeled it as offensive, even though they had not seen it themselves.

According to him, the plot of the film only indirectly mentions the roots of the main character, played by American actress Mikey Madison. Her grandmother was from Uzbekistan; however, the film itself does not address themes of Uzbek culture, mentality, or history. Moreover, the stripper refers to herself as Annie, and her surname does not have Uzbek origins.

Earlier, Yuldashev shared his thoughts on the backlash surrounding "Anora" with Podrobno.uz.

It is also worth noting that the Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan stated that the decision to introduce a "spiritual expertise" for media products does not have legal force. The agency emphasizes that the document regarding the introduction of expertise contains mandatory legal norms affecting the rights and legitimate interests of individuals and legal entities. Therefore, it is subject to mandatory registration. However, the initiators did not send it to the Ministry of Justice. As a result, the decision was revoked by the authorities that issued the document and is not subject to execution.