SCO Film Festival in Cholpon-Ata: Kyrgyzstan’s Mirbek Mambetaliev officially opened the International Film Festival of SCO countries, with eight feature films from Kyrgyzstan, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iran and Belarus, plus talks on cinema as soft power and a push for stronger co-productions and support for young filmmakers. Opening night spectacle: Humanoid robots from Unitree performed a choreographic piece blending modern Chinese music with Kyrgyz melodies, alongside the Kyrgyz State Academic Symphony Orchestra and national performers. Kyrgyz drama buzz: Dastan Madalbekov’s “Buiruk” drew major discussion at the festival, praised for auteur-style focus on inner lives and standout acting. Bishkek planetarium restoration: Renovation has started on the 1974 Bishkek planetarium, tied to a past municipal land dispute and a new restoration role for a private heritage fund. Music education boost: Kyrgyzstan plans major upgrades for music schools—over 100 million soms for instruments and 70 million for equipment—plus renewed work on regional VIA ensembles. Tourism & culture on the ground: Work began on the “Beles-Resort” complex in Suluktu, while Bishkek canceled Ala-Too Square musical evenings due to abnormal heat. Ski tourism standards: A draft professional standard for “Ski Tourism Instructor” is open for public discussion, aiming to unify training, certification and safety requirements.