Kyrgyzstan pays tribute to local actor, painter

Bishkek: Kyrgyzstan paid rich tribute to local artist Suimenkul Chokmorov as the country celebrated his 80^th anniversary.

“Suimenkul Chokmorov is the pride of the country, the greatest artist, an amazing actor, and an immensely talented son of the Kyrgyz people,” Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov said as he took part in the solemn event to celebrate “the People’s Artist of the USSR and the People’s Painter of the Kyrgyz SSR.”

The Kyrgyz miracle in cinematography and achievements in the field of Kyrgyz fine arts cannot be considered separately from the fate of Chokmorov, the president said, national news agency KABAR reported.

Chokmorov’s contribution to Kyrgyz culture is not limited to his activities in the field of cinema – as a talented artist he has managed to create unique works, the president added.

The Kyrgyz leader also congratulated domestic filmmakers on the upcoming professional holiday – Kyrgyz Cinema Day.

“You have paved the way for a young generation of talented filmmakers who are already making a name for themselves by earning recognition from the international community and winning prizes at various international festivals,” he said, quoted by the agency.

“We have every reason to hope for the revival of the Kyrgyz miracle phenomenon. I am sure that you will make a worthy contribution to the development of the country, enriching our national culture. We hope and believe that in the sphere of cinema we will still have many talents worthy of the memory of Suimenkul Chorkmorov,” Jeenbekov said.

A theatrical prologue and a documentary film about the life and creative path of Suimenkul Chokmorov was presented, as well as a concert program.

Chokmorov was a Kyrgyz film actor born in Chon Tash village, Kirghiz SSR (now Kyrgyzstan). In 1964, he graduated from the Leningrad Academy of Arts and later taught painting and composition at the Arts School of Frunze. In 1977 he was a member of the jury at the 10^th Moscow International Film Festival.

He featured in such films as A Shot at the Karash Pass, The Seventh Bullet, Dersu Uzala, Scarlet Poppies of Issyk-Kul, and The Red Apple.