Hollywood actor Ben Kingsley starred in the film 'Echo of Enlightenment,' which received the gold award at the anniversary Terres Travel Festival – Films & Creativity 2026, held in Spain. The film was recognized as the best in the 'Tourism Service' category and is dedicated to the contribution of Islamic civilization to the progress of science, culture, and human thought.
The Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan received this award on September 20th in the city of Tortosa, located in the Catalonia region. The festival gathered audiovisual works from more than forty countries.
For 'Echo of Enlightenment,' this is not the first international accolade; in 2026, the film was featured in the finalists lists of the New York Festivals and the Cannes Corporate Media & Television Festival, and it was also recognized at the SILKFEST 26 event in Belgrade. The Terres Gold Medal in Spain adds to the film's list of achievements.
Within the film, Uzbekistan is presented not only as an attractive tourist destination but also as the homeland of outstanding thinkers, scientists, and discoveries. The creators narrate the intellectual and cultural heritage of Islamic civilization and its influence on education and science.
Ben Kingsley, an Oscar winner for his role as Mahatma Gandhi, played a significant role in the creation of the film. He is also known to audiences for his role as Abu Ali ibn Sina in the film 'The Physician.' In 'Echo of Enlightenment,' the actor highlights the intellectual tradition of the East and the contribution of Islamic civilization to the development of human thought.
The Terres Travel Festival focuses on cinema related to tourism, culture, and various territories, and it is an official partner of the International Committee of Film Festivals for Tourism (CIFFT). Winners of this festival are included in the CIFFT – World’s Best Tourism Films ranking.
For the Center for Islamic Civilization, this is another international recognition. In 2026, it was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the 'Largest Museum of Islamic Civilization,' and TURKSOY awarded it the title of 'Best Museum of the Turkic World.' In 2025, the Center received the Avicenna International Award and the 'Object of Islamic Heritage of the Year' award at the World Halal Tourism Summit held in Singapore.
Previously, Klaus Struntz, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Euronews, proposed turning Tashkent into a permanent venue for an International Media Forum titled 'Islamic Civilization: A New Perspective – New Discoveries' with the aim of holding the event annually.



