The opening ceremony of the Indian Film Festival took place at the “Ashgabat” cinema in Ashgabat. The event was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of India in Turkmenistan with the support of the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Turkmenistan Bandaru Wilsonbabu addressed the ceremony participants with a welcoming speech. He praised the level of Turkmen-Indian cooperation and thanked President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, for their support in organizing the forum. The ambassador also noted the growing interest in Turkmenistan in Indian culture, particularly in the study of Hindi and yoga.

Representatives of the Turkmen side, in turn, emphasized the significant place of Indian cinema in the country's cultural life, noting its ability to resonate with viewers regardless of language barriers.

The festival program opened with a screening of the biographical drama "Dangal." In the following days, audiences will be treated to other films: on August 15, the romantic saga "Danaan," and on August 16, the festival will conclude with a screening of the sports drama "Go India!"

Organizers note that such cultural events contribute to strengthening mutual understanding and developing cultural ties between the peoples of Turkmenistan and India.