Marking the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Uzbekistan, the documentary Silk Road Youth: Uzbekistan premiered in Beijing on Sept 21. The event drew over 70 representatives from media, film and business sectors, along with the film's production team.
The documentary is presented in two parts over 90 minutes, offering a vivid portrayal of China-Uzbekistan collaboration through the perspective of Generation Z (those born between the mid-90s and early 2010s). The first segment, The Path of Light, highlights China Energy Engineering Group's renewable energy initiatives in Uzbekistan and follows young Chinese engineers and local employees as they integrate photovoltaic projects into local communities. The second segment, The Dream's Destination, chronicles four Uzbek students pursuing education and entrepreneurship in China, showcasing their growth and aspirations.
The film reflects the robust achievements and promising future of China-Uzbekistan cooperation in energy, cultural exchange, and trade.
Saidkamol Agzamkhodjaev, minister-counselor at the embassy of Uzbekistan in China, remarked that the documentary emerges in the context of the evolving comprehensive strategic partnership between the countries. It tells the story of China-Uzbekistan friendship from a youthful perspective, capturing sincere and moving moments.
Director Liao Yu shared his creative vision, saying that amid technological shifts, documentaries capture the real exchanges and emotional choices of ordinary young people from China and Uzbekistan through their experiences — authenticity AI cannot generate.
Dolphin Books and China Energy Engineering Group co-produced the film, with support from various institutions. It is set to premiere on Uzbekistan's Sevimli TV YouTube channel. It will also air simultaneously on Hangzhou TV's comprehensive channel Watch Hangzhou, as well as on the platforms Bilibili and Tencent Video by the end of September.
Qi Zhenhong contributed to this story.
