Filmmakers from Tatarstan and Uzbekistan are continuing the production of the historical feature film “The Teacher” (“Uchitel”) about Shihabetdin Marjani, who holds a special place in the history of Islamic thought. His works on theology, philosophy, history, and pedagogy significantly influenced the development of Muslim education.
The project is being implemented with the participation of creative teams from both countries and is seen as an important contribution to the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Uzbekistan and Tatarstan. The creators emphasize that the film is aimed at a broad audience and is intended to introduce viewers to the shared history and spiritual heritage of the Turkic and Islamic world.
The film’s general producer is Milyausha Aytuganova (Tatarstan), and the producer from Uzbekistan is Abdrauf Zhuraev. The role of the young Shihabetdin Marjani is played by Kariev Theater actor Bulat Gataullin. The directors of the film are Ramil Tukhvatullin from Tatarstan and Ilkhom Mukhammadibrokhimov from Uzbekistan. The screenwriters are Salavat Yuzeev and Shoyim Butaev.
The film’s plot covers Marjani’s childhood, his period of study and formation as a scholar in Bukhara and Samarkand—key centers of Islamic science and culture in the 19th century. In Uzbekistan, filming began in December at the historic Mir-i-Arab Madrasah in Bukhara, where Shihabetdin Marjani once studied. A commemorative plaque installed in 2019 for the 200th anniversary of the scholar’s birth remains at the madrasah.
Filming of scenes depicting Marjani’s youth in Tatarstan started on January 21, 2026. Several historically authentic locations from that era have been chosen. One is the “Tatar Avyly” ethno-village in the village of Isakovo, Zelenodolsky District, RT. The second is a space in the Sharif Kamal House Museum.
The creators emphasize that “The Teacher” is not only a biographical drama but also a film about the value of knowledge, respect for mentors, and spiritual quest—topics relevant to modern society. The film is intended for a wide international audience.
The premiere of “The Teacher” is scheduled for the Kazan International Film Festival “Altyn Minbar” in early September 2026. The project is expected to become a significant contribution to the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Uzbekistan and Tatarstan.
Source: mincult.tatarstan.ru
