On November 25, 2024, the Business Platform of the 17th Eurasia International Film Festival hosted a panel discussion titled “Genre Development in Kazakhstan: The New of Kazakh Horror.” Kazakh cinema is currently undergoing an exciting transformation. While just a few years ago the industry primarily focused on historical dramas, social commentary, and documentaries, recent years have seen a growing interest in genre films. One of the most intriguing and multifaceted genres currently being explored by Kazakh filmmakers is horror.
A key theme of the discussion was how Kazakhstan’s cultural context and national identity shape the perception of horror. Kazakhstan’s rich historical and cultural heritage, intertwined with diverse ethnic and religious traditions, provides fertile ground for creating horror films that delve into national myths, folklore, and deeply rooted psychological fears tied to history and colonial legacies.
During the roundtable, screenwriter Qazybek Orazbek and director Olzhas Bayalbayev shared insights into their experiences and creative approaches to this genre.
In recent years, several successful horror films have emerged in Kazakhstan, captivating both local audiences and international critics. A standout example is “Dästur”, a landmark film that has become a cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s growing horror culture.
Qazybek Orazbek places a strong emphasis on moral and spiritual themes in his projects.
“We consulted with imams and philosophers to convey the message that violence and cruelty are never justified. Everything depends on us and our way of life,” the screenwriter explained. He highlighted how religious symbols, such as jinns or imams, can enrich a storyline.“
Jinns and imams are familiar concepts to many; we’re not the first to use them,” he added, noting that such elements naturally align with Kazakhstan’s cultural framework.
“Dästur” exemplifies how Kazakh horror films incorporate national folklore and traditions to create narratives that are both unsettling and thought-provoking. The film tells the story of a young woman who confronts terrifying events tied to the ancient rituals and customs of her people. By blending mysticism with social drama, the movie explores traditional values and fears that resonate deeply with Kazakh audiences.
Director Olzhas Bayalbayev chose horror for his debut film, “Locked In,” based on Alexander Mendebayev’s novel “Tenants.” For Bayalbayev, horror seemed the ideal genre for a first feature.
“I thought it would be easier than making a comedy. It’s a visually striking genre that grabs the audience’s attention right away,” he admitted. However, the adaptation process proved to be more challenging than anticipated.
“I assumed adapting an existing work would be simple - you already have the characters and their motivations. But it turned out to be far more complex than I expected.
The 17th Eurasia International Film Festival is taking place in Almaty from November 24 to 30, 2024. This year’s event highlights the growing diversity and creativity of Kazakhstan’s film industry, with horror taking center stage as a genre rich with cultural and artistic potential.
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.
It is noteworthy that 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.
