From November 24 to 30, 2024, Almaty will host the XVII Eurasia International Film Festival—the largest film forum in the country and the only film festival in Central Asia accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). The festival is traditionally organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The organization of the film festival has been entrusted to the Shaken Aimanov Kazakhfilm National Film Studio, which is symbolic since the studio celebrates several anniversaries this year. Firstly, it celebrates the 90th anniversary of the film studio itself. Secondly, 2024 marks 110 years since the birth of the outstanding Kazakhstani filmmaker Shaken Kenzhetaiuly Aimanov, as well as 40 years since Kazakhfilm was named in his honor. These anniversaries will be highlighted during the upcoming film festival.
Over the years, "Eurasia" has become a landmark cultural event for the entire Central Asian region. Since the film festival's inception in 1998, a whole generation of Kazakhstani filmmakers has appeared, growing up with the traditions of "Eurasia." They can be called the "Eurasia generation."
The organizers say this year's "Eurasia" will include an international competition for feature films from Europe and Asia, along with a competition for films from Central Asia and the Turkic world. The business platform at "Eurasia" is also expected to be eventful. Numerous master classes and round tables will take place at Turan University and the T. Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts, while filmmakers will have opportunities to network within the framework of the professional filmmakers' club.
The grand opening ceremony of the XVII Eurasia International Film Festival will be held on November 24 at one of the city's most stylish venues—Almaty Theatre.
It's important to mention that the festival has had honorary guests like Catherine Deneuve, Kevin Costner, Isabelle Adjani, Pierre Richard, Sophie Marceau, Jeremy Irons, Ornella Muti, Steven Seagal, Sigourney Weaver, Gérard Depardieu, and many other stars of world cinema.
