Turkmenistan has announced the launch of an interstate television film competition among the member states of the Commonwealth of Independent States titled “Winged Steed: Strength and Grace.” The initiative is jointly organized by the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography and the state association “Turkmen Atlary.”

The competition initiated by Turkmenistan aims to promote the history of horse breeding and equestrian culture of CIS nations, foster respectful attitudes toward the horse as an essential element of cultural heritage, and encourage the development of documentary television filmmaking.

State and private TV companies, independent producers, authors, and creative teams from CIS countries are invited to participate. Each participant may submit up to two entries. Eligible works include documentary and documentary-publicistic films and television essays with a duration of 15 to 30 minutes, produced no earlier than 2024. All entries must include subtitles in Russian or English.

The thematic scope covers the history of horse breeding, the evolution of horse breeds, the role of horses in the traditions and customs of CIS peoples, artistic portrayals of the horse’s beauty and elegance, as well as equestrian sports. Evaluation criteria include thematic relevance, artistic and directing quality, cinematography, originality, and cultural value.

Winners of the competition hosted by Turkmenistan will be selected in the categories “Best TV Film,” “Best Film on the History of Horse Breeding,” “Best Film on Equestrian Sports,” “For Artistic Representation of the Horse,” and “Jury Prize.” Awards will be presented at the festival’s closing ceremony, with diplomas and commemorative gifts granted to the laureates.

The competition is held on a non-commercial basis as part of strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation among CIS countries, with Turkmenistan playing a key coordinating role.