Theater and cinema arts have a long history in Kyrgyzstan. According to the National Statistical Committee, theatrical art in the republic began to emerge in the 1920s, and the first professional theater was created in 1926.
The theater sector: statistics and distribution of theaters
Currently, 21 professional theaters operate in the country. The distribution of these companies by region is as follows:
In 2025, theatrical companies planned to stage 1 thousand 931 performances and shows. Among the productions most popular with audiences are the Chingiz Aitmatov State Academic Russian Drama Theater, the puppet theaters in Bishkek and Osh, and the Toktobolot Abdymomunov Kyrgyz National Drama Theater.
Cinema: development of movie theaters
As for the film industry, 32 cinemas operate in the republic. By the end of 2025, these cinemas had shown more than 247 thousand screenings, attended by more than 4 million viewers.
Historical context
Historically, cinema in Kyrgyzstan began to develop from a single film projection unit in Pishpek, located in Dubovy Park. Today the republic is equipped with modern movie theaters that use new technologies to show films.
- Theatrical art in Kyrgyzstan began to develop in the 1920s
- The first people's theater was created in 1918 in Karakol
As part of the celebration of Culture Workers' Day, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Kyrgyz professional theater, an event was held in Bishkek on the old Turdakun Usubaliev Square. It was attended by representatives of theaters from all regions of the country.
