Gorkut Ata International Film Festival

Горкут Ата Международный кинофестиваль

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Arts & CultureAshgabat
DatesDates TBA · Usually NovemberCheck locally before booking
Duration3 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsThe festival was launched in connection with
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: TMT
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Gorkut Ata International Film Festival in Ashgabat

The Gorkut Ata International Film Festival is Ashgabat's showcase for Turkic-world cinema, held each November under the TURKSOY cultural organization umbrella. Filmmakers from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Moldova bring feature and documentary films to the Turkmen capital, with recent editions built around the 300th anniversary of poet Magtymguly Fraghi and Anau's status as 2024 Turkic World Cultural Capital.

The Gorkut Ata International Film Festival takes its name from the medieval Oghuz Turkic epic cycle of Dede Korkut, or Gorkut Ata, a body of oral literature shared across Turkic-speaking peoples from Anatolia to Central Asia.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The festival was launched in connection with Anau's designation as the 2024 Cultural Capital of the Turkic World, giving it a specific diplomatic mission: strengthening cinematic cooperation among TURKSOY member states rather than simply screening international cinema

02

The mystery stays covered

Its opening ceremony pairs film premieres with a large-scale literary and musical stage production at the Mukams Palace, and a recent edition built its program around the 300th birth anniversary of the revered Turkmen poet Magtymguly Fraghi, including the premiere of a joint Turkmen-Uzbek feature film about his life

03

The city starts moving

Participating filmmakers have traveled from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and Moldova, making it a genuine multinational platform for Turkic and regional cinema rather than a purely domestic showcase

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival draws on Turkic oral literary tradition

Water and renewal

Living ritual

particularly the medieval Oghuz epic cycle of Dede Korkut from which its name derives

The sacred route

Living ritual

and pairs cinema with staged performances of Turkmen poetry and music

The local code

Living ritual

reflecting the country's practice of framing film culture within its literary heritage

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually November

Getting around

Stay close enough to the part of Ashgabat you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.

What to wear

Smart casual to business attire for screenings and receptions; formalwear is appropriate for the opening gala at the Mukams Palace. Ashgabat is cold in mid-November, so a warm coat is needed...

Safety

At Gorkut Ata International Film Festival, agree on a meeting point and plan food, water and the return route before crowds thicken.

Where to stay

Base yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if Gorkut Ata International Film Festival runs late.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

TMT

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map37.95 N, 58.38 EOpen in Google Maps

Ashgabat, Central Asia, Turkmenistan

Nearest airportASB — Ashgabat
TransportStay close enough to the part of Ashgabat you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.
Stay areaBase yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if Gorkut Ata International Film Festival runs late.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Ashgabat via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Ashgabat, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for November.Compare faresFestival gearSmart casual to business attire for screenings and receptions; formalwear is appropriate for the opening gala at the Mukams Palace. Ashgabat is cold in mid-November, so a warm coat is needed for evening outdoor transitions between venues.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Turkmenistan and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Gorkut Ata International Film Festival?

Gorkut Ata International Film Festival is listed for Past edition: 13–15 November 2024. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Gorkut Ata International Film Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

3 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Ashgabat, Central Asia, Turkmenistan

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLturkmenistan.gov.tm
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually November
Source statusOfficial source linked
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