In Pursuit of Spring () is a 2025 Uzbek psychological drama film directed by Ayub Shahobiddinov and produced by Uzbekfilm. The film starring Ra'no Shodiyeva, Ilhom Berdiyev, and Anvar Kartayev had its world premiere at SCO Film Festival in China, where it won Best Actress award. The film explores the story of a woman returning to her homeland after years of exile, confronting the emotional consequences of loss, memory, and social judgment.
In Pursuit of Spring received critical acclaim and international recognition, including awards for Best Actress and Best Screenplay at the VI Lendoc Film Festival in 2025. It was presented at 56th International Film Festival of India in 'Cinema of World category' on 23 November 2025. The film was also presented at 43rd Fajr International Film Festival’s Eastern Vista Section in Iran on 28 November 2025.
Plot Rohat Shukurova returns to a remote village of Archali after decades of exile and personal hardship. Haunted by memories of Soviet-era scandal that destroyed her youth and love, she must face the social and emotional scars left behind. As she reconnects with her community, the film unfolds as an intimate portrait of resilience, forgiveness, and the search for peace.
Cast Ra'no Shodiyeva as Rohat Shukurova Ra'no Ahmadjonova as young Rohat Shukurova Ilhom Berdiyev as Qudrat Ramazonov and his son Nodir Ramazonov Anvar Kartayev as Khojikulov Farina Oybekzoda as Rohatoy Bahora Arslonova as Aygul, wife of Nodir Ramazonov Anna Petyayeva as Larisa Shevchenko
Crew Director – Ayub Shahobiddinov Screenplay – Erkin A’zam Production design – Shamshetdin Ibraymov Cinematography – Diyor Ismatov Editing – Ziyodulla Adashev Music – Ubaydullo Karimov Production company – Uzbekfilm
Production The screenplay was written by the prominent Uzbek author Erkin A’zam, adapting themes of moral endurance and the human cost of exile.
Filming took place primarily in Boysun District, known for its traditional landscapes and historical depth. Director Ayub Shahobiddinov emphasized authenticity in visual tone and atmosphere, supported by cinematographer Diyor Ismatov.
The production was commissioned by the Kinematografiya agentligi (Cinematography Agency of Uzbekistan) and produced through the national studio Uzbekfilm.
Release Bahorni Quvib premiered at Bishkek International Film Festival in Kyrgyzstan in June 2025. It was subsequently screened at several international film festivals throughout 2025. +DateFestival NameLocationJune 2025Bishkek International Film FestivalKyrgyzstanJuly 2025SCO Film FestivalChinaAugust 2025International Film Festival AntaresRussiaLendoc Film Festival (LEFF)September 2025Arts Lumière Indonesia FestivalIndonesiaOctober 2025Korkut Ata Film Festival KazakhstanToji Somon International Film FestivalTajikistanNovember 2025Listapad Film FestivalBelarusInternational Film Festival of India (IFFI)IndiaDiamond Butterfly AwardsRussiaFajr International Film FestivalIranDecember 2025Toronto Global Film FestivalCanadaJanuary 2026Dhaka International Film FestivalBangladesh
Reception
Critical response Uzbek critics praised the film’s emotional depth and naturalistic portrayal of rural life. The cultural magazine Oyina described it as “a deeply human story about repentance and reconciliation,” highlighting Ra'no Shodiyeva’s performance as one of her career bests. The film uses psychological realism and symbolic imagery to depict the inner conflict between memory and forgiveness. Its pacing and cinematography reflect the passing of time and emotional isolation. Director Shahobiddinov’s minimalist style focuses on internal struggle rather than external conflict, making In Pursuit of Spring a quiet yet powerful entry in contemporary Uzbek cinema.
Accolades In Pursuit of Spring received numerous awards in different categories throughout its premiere in festivals.
+YearAwardCategoryRecipientResult 2025III Bishkek International Film FestivalBest FilmAyub Shahobiddinov SCO Film FestivalBest ActressRa'no Shodiyeva II Antares International Film FestivalBest Feature FilmAyub Shahobiddinov Best Male ActorIlhom Berdiyev Best ScreenplayErkin A'zam Best Male Supporting ActorAnvar Karteyev VI Lendoc International Film FestivalBest ScreenplayErkin A'zam Best ActressRa'no Shodiyeva Diamond ButterflyBest Supporting ActorAnvar Kartayev Oltin humoBest screenplayErkin A’zamBest Sound DirectorUlugbek Abdusoatov
References
External links