UCA Student Excels in Documentary Filmmaking

Mehrangez Saidmamadova, a UCA student majoring in Communications and Media, was selected to participate in a two-week Docmonde master class held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Her project focuses on Sarez Lake in the Gorno-Badakshan Autonomous Oblast of Tajikistan, titled "3200," signifying the altitude of the lake. This documentary aims to capture various perspectives on the lake, from scientists to locals, who continue to view it as a mysterious entity. Docmonde is a French non-profit organisation that provides support to documentary filmmakers worldwide through training programmes and international co-production meetings.

Out of hundreds of submissions from filmmakers across Central Asia, Mehrangez's project was among only six selected from Tajikistan. Led by experienced French film director and producer Vladimir Leon, the workshop provided Mehrangez with valuable insights into film script writing and creative documentary production.

Following the workshop, Mehrangez's project was chosen as one of two winning projects from Tajikistan, securing her an invitation to participate in the Eurasia co-production meeting in Almaty in June where she will present her project to leading European and Central Asian producers, with the potential to secure funding for her film.

Expressing her passion for filmmaking, Mehrangez shares, "I am passionate about both art and science, and thanks to my major in Communications and Media at UCA, I had the opportunity to explore both. In the summer of 2023, with UCA's support, I embarked on a two-week journey into the Pamir mountains with my camera, aiming to create my first film. Through this project, I aim to blend art and science to tell the captivating stories of Sarez Lake and the people of Pamir."