Today, the 17th Eurasia International Film Festival came to a close in Almaty, marking the end of Central Asia’s most significant cinematic event. But what makes this festival not just a platform for film screenings but also a space for reflection and discovery?

Each day of the festival was brimming with activity, from film premieres to engaging discussions with their creators. Yet, the most enduring memory for audiences and participants alike was the wave of emotions stirred by the films themselves.

This year’s lineup featured over 30 films, with 22 competing in two main competitions. The winners stood out not only for their recognition by the jury but also for sparking vibrant conversations among viewers, thanks to their emotional depth and artistic brilliance. These films demonstrated the power of cinema to unite people, tackle pressing issues, and leave an indelible mark.

The best film honour in the Central Asia and Turkic World competition was awarded to the Yakut film Where the Cranes Dance (Republic of Sakha, Russia). Rich in symbolism and breathtaking visual poetry, the film offers a profound reflection on preserving traditions in the face of modern challenges.

The NETPAC Jury Prize was awarded to To A Land Unknown by director Mahdi Fleifel. The film tells the poignant story of two cousins from a Palestinian refugee camp who dream of a better life in Europe, tirelessly working towards making that dream a reality.

What were the main criteria the jury used to select the best actors? The answer is clear: emotional authenticity and the ability to captivate the audience with their performances. Abylay Marat from Kyrgyzstan won the Best Actor award for his role in Deal at the Border. This gripping thriller challenges the boundaries between good and evil, and Abylay’s portrayal of a character who bridges these moral extremes leaves a profound impact. Meanwhile, the Best Actress award went to Elza Karimova for her powerful performance in The Lovers’ Mountain.

In the international competition, the award for Best Actress went to Florentina Holzinger for her performance in Moon (Austria). Her portrayal masterfully explores the inner conflicts of a character battling against societal expectations. Equally remarkable was Artur Paczesny, named Best Actor of the Internation Competition, for his role in Next To Nothing, where he skillfully conveyed an intense sense of tension.

The international competition at the festival became a true platform for cultural dialogue. The Best Film award was presented to Next To Nothing by Polish director Grzegorz Debowski. This minimalist work examines the fine line between loneliness and freedom, encouraging the audience to reflect on life’s deeper meaning.

South Korean director Oh Jung Min was honored with the Best Director award for The House of the Seasons, captivating audiences with the film’s structural complexity and profound philosophical depth.

The Special Jury Prize was awarded to One of Those Days When Hemme Dies, directed by Murat Firatoğlu. The film captivates with its profound emotional depth, tackling themes of social injustice, human resilience, and the fight for freedom. The jury praised the director’s ability to craft a tense, evocative atmosphere that compels viewers to reflect on the lives of those living on the brink of survival.

Tul, directed by Kazakh filmmaker Sharipa Urazbayeva, received an honorable mention from the jury. Nirvana, by Asif Islam (Bangladesh), also earned a Special Jury Prize for its innovative use of visual storytelling and its philosophical undertones.

The chair of the International Competition jury, Nuri Bilge Ceylan, was honored with an award for Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema. In addition, renowned Kazakh actor Doskhan Zholzhaksynov was recognized for his Outstanding Contribution to Kazakh Cinema.

The festival also became a platform for celebrating the achievements of Kazakh cinema. Highlighting the country’s rich cultural heritage, restored masterpieces like Shaken Aimanov’s Aldar Kose: The Beardless Trickster reminded audiences of the greatness of national cinema.

Simultaneously, the works of emerging Kazakh directors demonstrated a commitment to innovation. For example, Joktau, which won the Best Director award in the Central Asia and Turkic World Competition, explored the themes of memory and loss through a traditional mourning ritual.

The 17th Eurasia International Film Festival concluded, leaving audiences with lasting impressions and thought-provoking questions. What makes this festival so special? It unites people, sparks reflection, and opens new frontiers in the art of cinema.

The festival is founded and traditionally organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with the Kazakhfilm Studio named after Shaken Aimanov entrusted with the direct organization of the event, with the support of the Almaty City Akimat.

General partner: BAZIS-A company.

The sponsors include KAZ Minerals group, Sarens Kazakhstan, Eurasian Resources Group (ERG), Salem Entertainment, the Kinopark Theatres cinema chain, Astana Motors, Kazakhtelecom JSC, and A-Event KZ.

Media Partners: "Khabar" JSC, Qazaqstan TV Channel, NTK TV Channel, Europa Plus Kazakhstan, Eldoradio, Qazaq Gazetteri, Egemen Qazaqstan, Kazakhstanskaya Pravda, Antenna Kazakhstan, New Generation, ORDA, Kazinform International News Agency, Arbat Media, El.kz, Baq.kz, BaigeNews.