Kazakh Film Industry Records Breakthrough Year with Global Awards and Box Office Success
Astana, The Gulf Observer: The Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan has summarized a breakthrough year for the country’s national film industry, with Kazakh films earning more than 30 awards at international festivals across the United States, Russia, France, Italy, China, and other countries, according to media reports.
One of the standout achievements of the year was the commercial and critical success of the film QAITADAN, produced with state support. The film emerged as one of the year’s box office leaders, grossing over 1 billion tenge. It fully repaid state investment and exceeded it fivefold, becoming a key example of how government backing can generate tangible financial returns while strengthening audience confidence in domestic cinema.
In line with the President’s instructions, work is underway on amendments to the Law on Cinematography aimed at improving pre-release evaluation mechanisms and enhancing overall film quality.
Among the notable developments of 2025 was the resumption of state support for KazakhFilm Studio by the government, enabling the restoration of the Golden Collection of Kazakh cinema.
The National Cinema Support Center also selected 16 new film projects this year, many of which focus on historical and patriotic themes, in response to presidential directives and growing public interest in such content.
A total of ten domestic films premiered during the year, including 90+1, Tarlan, Igromanka, Captain Baitasov, QAITADAN, and the animated feature Altyn Adam.
Film director Duman Yerkimbek noted that, thanks to state support, QAITADAN opened the Korkyt Ata Festival in Aktau and the Kazakh Cinema Week in Rome. He added that the project also provided him with the opportunity to receive professional training in China under a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) program for young filmmakers.
Several Kazakh films achieved international recognition, with titles such as Bauryna salu, Citizens of the Roof, Gingerbread for Her Father, My Great-Grandfather, Her Grandfather, Kazhymukan, and Winners Seen at the Start securing awards at overseas festivals.
Actor Bakhyt Khazhibayev was honored with the Best Actor award at the SCO Film Festival in Chongqing for his role in Operation Nabat.
Kazakhstan also took part in the SCO Film Week in Qingdao, presenting the films Ademoka’s Training and Brothers.
In addition, Kazakh Cinema Days were held in more than 15 countries, including Greece, Kyrgyzstan, Albania, France, Norway, Italy, the Czech Republic, Japan, Turkey, Singapore, Azerbaijan, Russia, Belgium, and Uzbekistan, further expanding the global reach and visibility of Kazakhstan’s national cinema.
