September 24, 2025
Almaty, Kazakhstan. The Eurasian Film Market (EFM), Central Asia’s largest independent professional platform for film and television industry representatives, will take place in Almaty from 29 September to 1 October 2025. Traditionally, the forum brings together content producers and buyers, cinema chains, streaming platforms, service companies, and institutions from across the CIS, as well as from neighbouring regions and further afield.
Between 2023 and 2024, EFM attracted more than 150 film and media companies. Among exhibitors and participants were content distributors and producers, exhibitors, service and equipment providers for film production and exhibition, as well as representatives of international film funds: the State Centre for Support of National Cinema (Kazakhstan), Tiger Films, CNC, Unifrance, Digital District, Meloman, Trapeza, German Films, Megogo, Asana Film, Bihas, Barco, Kinologistika, Unico Play, Salem Entertainment, Dear Silence, TV+, Cinemax, MK2, Kinoplan, Asia Cinema, Sakhafilm, Etnomedia, Exponenta, Top Cinema, UNESCO, Cinecittà, Christie, Prebook, Capella Film and many others.
The special #SEARCH programme showcased more than 350 new films from Central Asia to potential buyers and festival programmers.
In 2025, EFM will focus on a business agenda addressing acquisition, distribution, marketing, and co-production in the film industry. The market will feature company presentations as well as industry roundtables, including:
EFM’s curated initiative for the promotion of Central Asian content will continue in 2025. The programme is aimed at presenting new feature films and animations from the region to international buyers, including distributors, sales agents, streamers, cinema chains, and festival programmers. A refreshed project catalogue and dedicated trailer screenings will be available for market participants.
As in previous years, the Festival d’Avant-Premières du Cinéma Français will be held as part of the forum, presenting upcoming French releases for Central Asia and CIS audiences.
The festival will open with the documentary François Truffaut: The Script of My Life (2024), directed by David Teboul, who will personally present the film and host a Q&A with the audience. Based on unpublished interviews and personal letters between Truffaut and his friend Claude de Givray, the film reveals intimate reflections on childhood, youth, and creative life—offering a deeply personal portrait of the New Wave master.
Other highlights include:
The French film premieres will also be presented in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Admission is free.
EFM 2025 partners and sponsors include: Visit Almaty (Almaty Tourism Bureau), the Embassy of France in Kazakhstan, Arman Cinema, Novotel Almaty City Center, Alma Almaty Hotel, Kazakhstan Creative Industries Alliance, Russian Film Business Market, Kazakhstan Restaurant Association, Harkness Screens, Bihas (official Barco representative in Central Asia), Megogo, Etnomedia, Khabar Agency, Almaty.tv, Channel 31, Tribune, WeProject, Turan University, Almaty Management University, and others.
Confirmed exhibitors and participants include: Ascar Cinema, Tolqyn Film Fund, Bihas (official Barco representative in Central Asia), TV+, Freedom Media, Unico, Trapeza, Russian Content Worldwide (RCW), Chaplin Cinemas, NFDC (India), MTD Media, Husks Productions (USA), Gemini Sky (China), M6 (France), Megogo, Cinemaxx, Capella Film, Etnomedia, Kinoplan, OSRAM GmbH Kazakhstan, Christie Digital, MERLIN, Cinemaus Studio, and more.
Elena Larionova, Founder of the Eurasian Film Market:
“Eurasian Film Market is a practical platform where regional projects find their way to international audiences and partners. In 2025, we are broadening our horizons, with a stronger focus on acquisition strategies, co-productions, and practical tools to access global markets for Central Asian cinema.”
Kunzhan Ormanbetova, Executive Director of EFM and Curator of #POISK:
“Interest in Central Asian cinema is growing. Through #POISK, we consistently showcase new regional films to global industry players, helping projects secure partners, distribution pathways, and audiences.”
Ekaterina Bordacheva, EFM Partner for Russia, Belarus, and China:
“The film market of Kazakhstan and Central Asia is at a peak of development. In today’s fast-changing landscape, targeted communication and flexibility—qualities EFM is built upon—are more valuable than ever.”
Producers and production companies; distributors and sales agents; cinema chains and independent cinemas; streaming platforms and digital TV services; national and international content promotion organisations; production and distribution funds; service and technology companies; programmers of international film festivals.
Participation in EFM is by accreditation.
Applications for accreditation (media and professional participants) are available at: www.eurasianfilmmarket.com
Partnerships / Sponsorship / PR / Strategic Matters:
The Eurasian Film Market (EFM) is an independent international film market in Central Asia, held annually in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The platform brings together film and television professionals from across the CIS and around the world, fostering content acquisition and sales, co-production, the promotion of national cinemas, and the development of the regional film industry.
In 2023–2024, EFM welcomed more than 150 companies, hosted dozens of presentations, and delivered special screenings of regional content, including through its flagship #SEARCH programme.
EFM is a space for dialogue: a hub where Central Asian cinema networks discover new services, solutions, and exclusive content, while also providing an arena for discussion of the most pressing issues facing the industry.
