Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Six films spanning different genres and themes will be screened over three days during Kazakh Cinema Days in Tashkent on 12–14 November, Uzbekkino’s press service reported.
All screenings will take place at the National Palace of Arts of Uzbekistan. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for 3pm on 12 November at the same venue.
Representatives of the cultural and film industries of both countries, the diplomatic corps, senior officials from Kazakhfilm studio and the Kinopark Theatres chain, as well as the filmmakers, are expected to attend the ceremony.
The programme opens with the 2025 science-fiction drama Qaytadan. The film was directed and written by D. Yerkinbek and has a running time of 101 minutes.
Rauan, a teenager from the city, fails an important exam, prompting his angry parents to send him to live with his grandmother in a village. There, he helps with household chores, dreams of leaving and suddenly realises that the same day keeps repeating.
Every evening, a dam in the village breaks, sweeping everything away and killing all its residents. Rauan sees each new cycle as an opportunity to save those close to him. He searches for a way out of the time loop, tries to protect the village and changes his outlook on life.
Yerekshe (Special) is a 2025 melodrama and sports drama directed by Yernar Nurgaliyev. The film runs for 90 minutes and is rated for viewers aged 12 and above. Its protagonist, Arman, is a spoiled son of wealthy parents who spends his time partying and avoids responsibility.
After another reckless act — driving under the influence and damaging someone else’s property — Arman is sent to perform community service at a sports complex. There, he meets Aigerim and her younger brother Didar. The teenager, who has cerebral palsy, practises boccia, an adaptive sport.
According to the film’s synopsis, the encounter changes Arman’s outlook. For the first time, he witnesses genuine strength of spirit, sincerity and determination to pursue a dream. He comes to understand that a person’s strength lies in kindness, responsibility and humanity, rather than money or status.
The comedy and melodrama My Big Kazakh Family was directed by Alen Niyazbekov. The film runs for 95 minutes and is rated for viewers aged six and above.
Manarbek, the head of a large traditional Kazakh family, deeply values customs and traditions. However, his son has married an Armenian woman, one daughter has married a Russian man, and another has married a Korean man.
Manarbek’s last hope is his youngest daughter, Bulbul, whom he wants to marry to a Kazakh man. Returning from Europe, she announces that she is going to marry a foreigner named Michael. Her father has to meet his future son-in-law and find common ground with someone from a very different cultural background.
The film’s synopsis describes it as a light-hearted family comedy about love, traditions and cultural differences, highlighting that mutual understanding and acceptance, rather than ancestry, are what hold a family together.
The 2025 family film Zhabayi was directed by D. Abilkhanov, with a screenplay by T. Almanov. It has a running time of 90 minutes. The story follows a boy named Kazbek, who lacks love and attention until he meets a stray dog called Zhabayi. Together, they learn about friendship and overcome difficulties, facing a grumpy neighbour, dog catchers and a cunning blogger.
The 2024 animated film Altyn Adam was directed by Turdybek Maidan and Tilek Toleugazy. The screenplay was written by Annas Bagdat, with music by Ushkyn Zhamalbek. The 75-minute film is in Kazakh with English subtitles.
Ankil, a Saka warrior, sets out for the summit of Khan Tengri in search of the Fire of Life. Along the way, he finds friends and enemies, becomes a true warrior and defeats the evil threatening the land of the Saka. The film portrays the daily life, culture, martial arts and concepts of honour of the ancient Saka people.
The film’s description quotes Nursultan Nazarbayev: “Understanding history shapes the individual and strengthens national self-awareness.” According to the synopsis, Ankil’s heroic deeds could serve as an example of courage, kindness and valour for young viewers.
The programme concludes with the 2018 biographical historical drama Amre. Directed by Jeffrey Vespa, the film was produced by Alidar Utemuratov and written by Benjamin A. van der Veen. The 90-minute film is in Russian.
It tells the story of the remarkable but short life of Kazakh singer Amre Kashaubayev, whose career came to a mysterious end.
At the 1925 World Music Competition held as part of Expo 1925 in Paris, he was the first to introduce European audiences to Kazakh vocal art and the dombra.
At the time, the 36-year-old Kashaubayev performed as part of the Soviet delegation, made a sensation and won a silver medal.
