Cinema in Central Asia is the first comprehensive and up-to-date account of film in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan from its origins to the present day. Featuring specialists from Central Asia, Russia, Europe, and the United States, this companion to the cinema of Central Asia combines serious scholarly study with practical accessibility to construct an historical narrative, to discuss aspects of film production, and to consider the impact of film. It offers a deeper understanding of Central Asian culture that is invaluable with the geopolitical and economic emergence of the region.

The book includes a broad history of Central Asian film industry, along with incisive pieces explaining early film institutions and themes, the impact of the Second World War, expressions of identity and protest during the Soviet era, and regional variations of post-Soviet filmmaking. The final section comprises biographic and filmographic entries on the principle figures of Central Asian cinema, providing scholars and filmgoers with a valuable reference.