KASPIYSK, November 12 – RIA Dagestan. Regional film industry development, virtual studio technology, infrastructure and workforce training topped the agenda of the "Digital Production of the Future" session at the 4th International Caspian Digital Forum in Dagestan.
As to session moderator Yevgeny Rostov, CEO of Megapix, the departure of foreign majors has placed new demands on domestic film production. Regional film clusters, he said, are a promising path forward, with successful models already emerging in Crimea, Buryatia and Yakutia.
Attracting major producers and film crews to the regions, Rostov added, requires well-developed logistics and infrastructure, active film commissions — Dagestan has already established one — and a robust educational framework for training both creative talent and production staff.
Binke Anisimov, Dagestani producer, acclaimed actor and screenwriter, presented the Dagkinoprom project. The initiative envisions building filming infrastructure in the republic, training specialists, hosting a regional film festival and supporting new productions, bringing together producers, directors and other professionals from Dagestan and Moscow.
"Living in Moscow, we do not forget about the republic. We have done much in this direction. Dagkinoprom didn't come out of nowhere — it builds on the extensive work we had already done in Dagestan while working as producers in Moscow. We recently shot a musical comedy Hotel Motel and we plan to make new films, including adaptations of works by Dagestani authors" Anisimov confessed.
In recent years, he added, the team had already worked on films shot in Dagestan, involving local specialists and partners.
The presentation also unveiled plans for a screen adaptation of Islam Khanipaev's book Tipa Ya and a feature adaptation of the animated film Birthday, with the working title Azhadakha.
The concept further includes a mobile unit for film screenings in the republican districts, a film academy and the Chegeri International Film Festival. By design, the project will unite film production, education and technical infrastructure, laying the groundwork for a thriving regional film industry.
Writer, director and screenwriter Islam Khanipaev also discussed the future of Dagestani cinema and the kinds of stories that could resonate with audiences.