Bishkek International Film Festival: In just four editions, BIFF is positioning Bishkek as a Central Asia cinema hub, drawing guests from 30+ countries, with nine world premieres and industry pitching platforms like Bars in Progress and CAF Pitch. Festival debate: Still, the event sparked backlash over the heavy presence of bloggers on the blue carpet, with critics saying it pushed film professionals aside. Kyrgyz cinema spotlight: The festival also saw award wins including “On Your Lap” taking Best Film, while the drama “Kurak” was denied a censor certificate ahead of a screening. K-pop in Kyrgyzstan: A new international K-pop girl group casting is set for August, with Kyrgyz girls aged 16–22 invited for online selection, then Seoul training. Issyk-Kul sports & ecology: For the F1H2O water “Formula 1” stage (July 31–Aug 2), ecological expertise says the event won’t significantly harm Issyk-Kul’s ecosystem. City culture calendar: Bishkek and Osh are packed with ballet, musicals, and museum exhibitions, including the “Pomegranate Garden” show and new light-music fountains near the Philharmonic.