President Tokayev Highlights Innovation and AI at Astana Film Festival
Astana, The Gulf Observer: President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended the opening ceremony of the international Astana AI Film Festival, highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creative industries and the importance of its responsible development.
Addressing the ceremony, Tokayev described the festival as a unique initiative providing a platform for proactive, educated, innovative and creative people to demonstrate their talents and abilities. He characterized the event as a competition of innovative ideas and bold initiatives.
The President said the modern era is defined by knowledge, science and innovation, noting that artificial intelligence is bringing fundamental changes across sectors of the global economy and that technological progress has assumed a global dimension.
Tokayev described the Astana AI Film Festival as a notable example of the rapid development of Kazakhstan’s creative industries. He said the country was taking measures to establish an integrated ecosystem for the sector and provide comprehensive support to talented citizens.
The Kazakh President also stressed the importance of ensuring the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence amid the rapid advancement of the technology.
He noted growing concerns among politicians, scientists and technology leaders regarding the expanding capabilities of AI and the potential risks associated with its uncontrolled use. At the same time, he emphasized that technological development is an irreversible trend and called for common rules to ensure the safe and responsible development and application of AI.
Tokayev stressed that safety considerations should remain a priority while efforts should also be made to harness the considerable creative potential offered by emerging technologies. He said this balance was at the core of the Astana AI Film Festival.
The opening ceremony also featured remarks by Almas Zhali, founder of the Astana International AI Film Festival; Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp.; Balaji Srinivasan, founder of Network School; festival participant Jamin Tasker; and Audrey Azoulay, Chair of the Jury of the international Astana AI Film Festival.
The festival has attracted significant international participation, with more than 1,900 submissions received from over 90 countries, according to Kazinform.
The event underscores Kazakhstan’s efforts to promote the intersection of artificial intelligence, technology and creative industries while creating opportunities for innovators and filmmakers to explore new forms of artistic expression.
