Kazakhstan Forges New Cinematic Partnerships with Turkic Nations
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Kazakhstan is bolstering its cultural influence and expanding its film industry through a series of landmark cooperation agreements with Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan. These partnerships, solidified during the Korkyt Ata International Film Festival of the Turkic World in Aktau, aim to foster a stronger sense of cultural unity and collaboration across the region.
The agreements, developed under the auspices of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), were formalized on Oct. 4, according to a statement released by the Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information. A senior official stated that the memorandums represent a significant step toward strengthening ties through shared cinematic endeavors and the preservation of common heritage.
Expanding Co-Productions and Creative Exchanges
Each agreement outlines specific areas of collaboration tailored to the unique strengths of each nation. The memorandum with Azerbaijan’s Cinema Agency focuses on a broad range of joint projects, including the production of feature films, documentaries, and animated content. It also includes provisions for master classes, seminars, and enhanced cooperation in translation and dubbing to broaden the reach of these productions.
Similarly, the agreement with the Kyrgyz Department of Cinematography prioritizes joint projects and specialist exchanges designed to deepen cultural and humanitarian connections. The partnership with Turkmenistan’s Oguz Khan Turkmenfilm Association will promote co-productions and creative exchanges between Aktau and Ashgabat, with a particular emphasis on celebrating the rich musical heritage of the Turkic peoples.
Fostering Cultural Dialogue and Film Tourism
The Kazakh film industry is also looking westward for collaboration. An agreement with the Turkish General Directorate of Cinematography envisions joint film projects intended to foster cultural dialogue, support co-productions, and even develop film tourism opportunities.
Perhaps most significantly, the memorandum with Uzbekistan’s Cinematography Agency will concentrate on projects centered around Turkistan, Samarkand, and the historical era of Amir Temur. One of the first collaborative efforts will be the feature film “As High as the Pamir Mountains,” a poignant story portraying the friendship between Kazakh writer Mukhtar Auzov and Uzbek novelist Abdulla Qodiri, intended to symbolize the enduring brotherhood between the two nations.
International Reach Extends Beyond the Turkic World
Kazakhstan’s cinematic ambitions are not limited to its regional neighbors. Earlier this year, at the Cannes Film Festival, the Cinema Center signed memorandums with the national film centers of France and Georgia, signaling a broader push for international partnerships. Current international projects include the documentary “The Tale of the Sea Dogs” (co-produced with Thailand) and the feature film “Winners Are Visible at the Start,” which involves collaborations with filmmakers from France, the Netherlands, Lithuania, and Sweden.
Kazakh Film Industry Achieves New Heights
The growing success of the Kazakh film industry was recently underscored by Duman Yerkimbek’s debut film, “QAITADAN,” which made history as the first state-supported Kazakh production to surpass 1 billion tenge (US$1.8 million) at the box office. This achievement demonstrates the increasing appeal and viability of Kazakh cinema both domestically and internationally, paving the way for even greater collaborations and cultural exchange in the years to come.
