Turkic civilization is the civilization of all humanity

On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of Al-Farabi KazNU, with the support of the international organization of Turkish culture "TURKSOY", the Farabi Film Festival was launched for students of cinema and media faculties of the countries of the Turkic world, organized by the Center for Commercialization of Technologies and Creative Industry and the Faculty of Journalism of KazNU. The event was attended by students, teachers and filmmakers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

Member of the Board - Vice-Rector for Scientific and Innovation Activities Zhamilya Nurmatovna Aitzhanova opened the ceremony with a congratulatory speech, wishing success in their work to the participants of the festival being held for the first time, and noted that about 70 works in various genres of film and animation were accepted for the competition. Creating a tradition of holding a film festival dedicated to supporting young filmmakers contributes to their professional development and strengthening friendship between the Turkic peoples.

Sayed Yusuf, Deputy Secretary General of the Turkish Cultural Organization "TURKSOY", noted thatTurkic civilization is the civilization of all humanity. Therefore, Turkic-speaking countries should introduce the world to their native language, history, culture and traditions through cinema. Akimbay Kaparov, a teacher-operator at the Department of Film Academy of Osh State University, presented a special gift to students of the Faculty of Journalism for the 90th anniversary of the university - a painting depicting the nature of Alatau. He expressed his wish that the first Turkic-speaking student festival continue and spread its wings in Central Asia.

During the event, the winners were awarded prizes and diplomas from both KazNU and TURKSOY. A student of the Kyrgyz-Turkish University “Manas” Saadat Kazakbaeva received the KazNU Grand Prix for the film “Night Call”, a student from Turkmenistan Iskandermuhamed Annamukhamedov received the “TURKSOY” Grand Prix for the film “Melody of Dutar”. Among the festival nominees were winners from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. Particularly noted were the films “Boyau” by Diaz Yusuf, “The Untold Story of Khasib” by Adnan al-Khattab and “KazNU: a place of history and education” by KazNU student. Al-Farabi Olzhas Pavlik.

In 2021, the educational program “Cinema and Media” was opened at KazNU, preparing in-demand personnel in the field of cinema and media, capable of demonstrating creative skills and creating creative products. Guests of the festival - filmmakers Murat Eszhan, Otegen Nartai Otegenuly, Bertis Dias, Akunova Aruna, Uvalzhanova Aliya - conducted master classes for students. The cultural program of the festival included an introduction to the Kazakhfilm film studio and a visit to the Almaty Museum.

A number of films that have found their way to the hearts of viewers will become an eternal value of Turkish civilization. We believe that this initiative will continue in the coming years and will make it easier for talented filmmakers and young directors to take their first steps in the arts.

Gulmira Sultanbaeva