Filming has been completed in Turkmenistan for the international feature film titled ‘Hodja Nasreddin: My Friend in Hard Times’. The project is being carried out under the auspices of TURKSOY, with the participation of filmmakers from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. This news was announced by the ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’.

Filming took place in the village of Gavers and the settlement of Bokurdak in the Ahal velayat. Here, caravan scenes were filmed using the Karakum Desert as a backdrop. The locations were chosen for their natural colours. The work was carried out with the participation of the “Türkmenfilm” Association named after Oguzhan. The project featured Turkmenistan People’s Artist Chary Seyitliyev. Students studying various art forms took part in the group scenes.

The film tells the story of Hodja Nasreddin. The plot highlights the shared values and traditions of Turkic peoples through humour. The director and screenwriter is Vagif Mustafayev. According to him, the image of Nasreddin combines humour with social satire.

The project is supported by TURKSOY. The decision to implement the project was taken at the 40th meeting of the Council of Culture Ministers of member states, held as part of the 1st Turkic World Culture Forum in Shusha in October 2023. The production is being carried out by ‘Nasreddin Production MMC’ with the support of the relevant ministries. Post-production will commence once filming is complete. The film’s premiere and participation in international festivals are planned for this summer.