Kazakhstan has a big film industry which is producing from history, via crime to comedy movies. We tried to give you a list of the most popular movies of Kazakhstan. Many of them give a nice impression of the history, traditions and way of life of the Kazakhs.
Myn Bala: Warriors of the Steppe (2012)
Kazakh Name: Жаужүрек мың бала
Director: Akan Satayev
Plot: Set in the 18th century, this historical epic follows a group of young Kazakh warriors who band together to fight against the oppressive Dzungar invaders. The film highlights themes of bravery, patriotism, and the struggle for freedom.
Tomiris (2019)
Kazakh Name: Томирис
Director: Akan Satayev
Plot: This historical epic tells the story of Tomiris, the legendary queen of the Massagetae tribe, who led her people to victory against the Persian Empire’s ruler, Cyrus the Great. The film is a powerful portrayal of leadership, strategy, and the fight for freedom.
Tulpan (2008)
Kazakh Name: Тюльпан
Director: Sergey Dvortsevoy
Plot: This comedy-drama follows Asa, a young man who returns from military service with dreams of becoming a shepherd. To achieve his goal, he needs to marry Tulpan, the only eligible bachelorette in the steppe. The film is a tender portrayal of rural life in Kazakhstan.
The Fall of Otrar (1991)
Kazakh Name: Отырардың күйреуі
Director: Ardak Amirkulov
Plot: This historical drama depicts the events leading up to the Mongol invasion of Central Asia and the subsequent fall of the city of Otrar. It explores the political intrigue, betrayal, and heroism associated with this period in Kazakh history.
Shal (The Old Man) (2012)
Kazakh Name: Шал
Director: Ermek Tursunov
Plot: Inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea,” this film tells the story of an elderly shepherd who gets lost in the vast Kazakh steppes while trying to retrieve a stray sheep. The film is a meditation on human endurance and the struggle against nature.
The Sky of My Childhood (2011)
Kazakh Name: Балалық шағымның аспаны
Director: Rustem Abdrashov
Plot: A biographical drama about the early life of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the first President of Kazakhstan. The film provides insight into his humble beginnings and the formative experiences that shaped his character and future leadership.
Kazakh Khanate: Diamond Sword (2017)
Kazakh Name: Қазах хандығы: Алмас қылыш
Director: Rustem Abdrashov
Plot: This historical epic focuses on the establishment of the Kazakh Khanate in the 15th century by Kerey and Zhanibek. It showcases their efforts to unite various tribes and build a strong and independent state amidst regional conflicts.
Revenge (1989)
Kazakh Name: Кек
Director: Yermek Shinarbayev
Plot: Set during the period of the Japanese occupation of Korea, this film follows the story of a Korean boy who is sent to Kazakhstan to be raised by a Kazakh family. As he grows up, he struggles with his identity and seeks revenge for the wrongs done to his family.
The Road to Mother (2016)
Kazakh Name: Анамның жолы
Director: Akan Satayev
Plot: This touching drama spans several decades and follows the life of Ilyas, a boy separated from his mother during World War II. The film explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between mother and child, set against the backdrop of Kazakhstan’s turbulent history.
A Gift to Stalin (2008)
Kazakh Name: Сталинге сыйлық
Director: Rustem Abdrashov
Plot: Set in 1949, this poignant film tells the story of Sasha, a Jewish boy who is deported to Kazakhstan during Stalin’s regime. He is rescued by a kind Kazakh railway worker, and the film depicts their life in a small Kazakh village and the challenges they face under Soviet rule.
Nomad: The Warrior (2005)
Kazakh Name: Көшпенділер
Director: Sergei Bodrov, Ivan Passer, and Talgat Temenov
Plot: Set in the 18th century, this historical epic tells the story of Mansur, a young warrior destined to unite the Kazakh tribes and defend their homeland against the invading Jungar forces. The film showcases themes of heroism, unity, and cultural pride.
Racketeer (2007)
Kazakh Name: Рэкетир
Director: Akan Satayev
Plot: This crime drama follows the rise of a young man named Sayan who becomes involved in the criminal underworld of Almaty during the turbulent 1990s. The film explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the harsh realities of post-Soviet Kazakhstan.
Ulzhan (2007)
Kazakh Name: Улжан
Director: Volker Schlöndorff
Plot: A Frenchman named Charles travels to Kazakhstan in search of a mysterious and sacred mountain. Along the way, he meets a local woman named Ulzhan, who becomes his guide and companion. The film is a contemplative journey through the vast landscapes of Kazakhstan and explores themes of loss and redemption.
Strayed (2009)
Kazakh Name: Келін
Director: Ermek Tursunov
Plot: This dramatic story is set in the Kazakh steppes and follows the life of a young woman who is kidnapped by a bandit and taken to live in a remote village. The film explores themes of survival, cultural traditions, and the harsh realities of life in the steppes.
The Gift (2014)
Kazakh Name: Сыйлық
Director: Ermek Tursunov
Plot: This comedy-drama revolves around a simple rural man who receives an unexpected inheritance and decides to fulfill his long-cherished dreams. The film highlights the contrast between rural and urban life in Kazakhstan and the pursuit of happiness.
The Land of the Fathers (2012)
Kazakh Name: Әкелердің жері
Director: Satybaldy Narymbetov
Plot: This historical drama focuses on the life of a Kazakh family spanning several generations, from the early 20th century to modern times. The film explores themes of family, identity, and the impact of historical events on individual lives.
Zhauzhurek Myn Bala: The Legends of the Steppe (2013)
Kazakh Name: Жау жүрек мың бала: Дала аңыздары
Director: Akan Satayev
Plot: A follow-up to “Myn Bala,” this film continues the story of young Kazakh warriors as they face new challenges and adversaries. The film emphasizes bravery, camaraderie, and the preservation of Kazakh heritage.
Birzhan Sal (2009)
Kazakh Name: Біржан сал
Director: Doskhan Zholzhaksynov
Plot: This biographical drama tells the story of Birzhan Sal, a famous Kazakh singer, composer, and poet. The film explores his life, his music, and his impact on Kazakh culture, set against the backdrop of the 19th century.
Taraz (2016)
Kazakh Name: Тараз
Director: Nurtas Adambay
Plot: This crime thriller revolves around a group of friends in the city of Taraz who become entangled in a violent confrontation with a local gangster. The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of violence.
Adventure Hunters (2017)
Kazakh Name: Аманат
Director: Sanzhar Sultan
Plot: This action-adventure film follows a group of young treasure hunters who embark on a thrilling quest to uncover ancient artifacts hidden in the Kazakh steppes. The film combines elements of history, mythology, and modern-day adventure.