ASTANA – The grand opening ceremony of the "Eurasia" International Film Festival took place at the Kazakhstan Concert Hall in Astana. The festival will run from January 10-17, 2025, and will showcase nearly 200 films from 40 countries around the world.
Festival Overview
The "Eurasia" International Film Festival is one of the largest cultural events in Central Asia. This year marks the festival's 10th anniversary, making it a particularly significant event for Kazakhstan's film industry and cultural community.
Festival Statistics
- Duration: 8 days (January 10-17, 2025)
- Number of films: 198 films from 40 countries
- Competition categories: 7 main categories
- Expected visitors: Over 50,000 people
- Venues: 12 cinemas across Astana
- Master classes: 25 educational sessions
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony was attended by more than 2,000 guests, including government officials, filmmakers, actors, and cultural figures from around the world. The event featured performances by leading Kazakhstan artists and a special video presentation showcasing the history of Kazakhstan cinema.
"The Eurasia Film Festival has become an important bridge connecting the cinemas of East and West. We are proud that Astana hosts this significant cultural event" – Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva
Competition Categories
Films participating in the festival compete in seven main categories:
1. Feature Films
The main competition includes 35 feature films from different countries. The international jury will select the best film, director, actor, and actress.
2. Documentary Films
28 documentary films exploring various social, cultural, and environmental topics will be shown.
3. Short Films
This category includes 45 short films (up to 30 minutes), representing young filmmakers from around the world.
4. Animation
20 animated films, both for children and adults, will participate in this category.
5. Central Asian Cinema
A special category dedicated to films from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.
6. Student Films
Films created by students from world film schools compete in this category.
7. Virtual Reality
A new category introduced this year, showcasing innovative VR cinema projects.
International Jury
The festival's international jury consists of renowned filmmakers and film critics:
- Jean-Pierre Laurent (France) – Director, Cannes Film Festival laureate
- Akira Tanaka (Japan) – Producer, Oscar nominee
- Sofia Ramirez (Spain) – Actress, Berlin Film Festival winner
- Sergey Dvortsevoy (Kazakhstan) – Director, known internationally
- Priya Sharma (India) – Film critic, editor of Cinema Asia magazine
"I am honored to be part of the jury of this wonderful festival. Kazakhstan has made significant progress in cinema development, and this festival is proof of that" – Jean-Pierre Laurent
Kazakhstan Films
Special attention at the festival is given to Kazakhstan cinema. This year, 24 films from Kazakhstan filmmakers will be shown, including:
"Steppe Symphony"
A historical drama directed by Rustem Abdrashev, telling the story of the great Kazakh composer Kurmangazy. The film was shot over two years and involved more than 300 actors.
"Nomad's Soul"
A documentary by Danara Akisheva exploring the traditions and culture of modern nomads in Kazakhstan.
"Tengri"
A fantasy film based on Kazakh mythology, created using modern visual effects technology.
Master Classes and Educational Programs
During the festival, 25 master classes will be held on various aspects of filmmaking:
- Screenwriting – How to write compelling scripts
- Directing – Working with actors and the camera
- Cinematography – Lighting and composition techniques
- Editing – Rhythm and structure of film
- Sound design – Creating the sound atmosphere of film
- Visual effects – Modern VFX technologies
- Film producing – Project financing and distribution
Master classes will be conducted by leading filmmakers from Hollywood, European cinema, and Asian countries.
Film Market
Within the framework of the festival, the Eurasia Film Market will operate – a platform for film professionals to meet, make deals, and exchange experiences. More than 200 film companies from around the world are expected to participate in the market.
Market Opportunities
- Screenings for distributors and producers
- Meetings with investors and financing funds
- International co-production agreements
- Film rights sales and purchases
- Networking with industry professionals
Special Programs
Retrospective
A special program dedicated to the 100th anniversary of world cinema, showcasing classic films that changed cinema history.
"Films for Children"
A program of the best children's films from around the world, including special morning sessions for school groups.
"Midnight Screenings"
Late-night screenings of cult films and film experiments for cinema enthusiasts.
"Cinema Under the Stars"
Outdoor screenings of popular films in Astana parks (weather permitting).
Festival Guests
The festival will host many famous filmmakers and actors:
- Michael Anderson – Hollywood actor, Oscar winner
- Liu Wei – Chinese director, known for art house films
- Elena Volkova – Russian actress, honored artist
- Ahmed Hassan – Egyptian director, Cairo Film Festival laureate
- Maria Gonzalez – Mexican producer, Goya Award winner
All festival guests will participate in press conferences, autograph sessions, and meetings with fans.
Awards and Prizes
Winners in various categories will receive:
- Golden Tulip – Main festival prize
- Cash prizes – $50,000 for Best Film
- Distribution contracts – Opportunities to show films in cinemas
- Certificates – For all festival participants
- Special prizes – From partners and sponsors
Digital Platform
For the first time, the festival launches an online platform where viewers can:
- Watch selected films online
- Participate in Q&A sessions with filmmakers
- Watch live broadcasts of master classes
- Vote for the Audience Award
Access to the online platform is available for viewers from all over Kazakhstan and neighboring countries.
Economic Impact
According to organizers, the festival will significantly impact Astana's economy:
- Tourism – Over 5,000 foreign guests expected
- Hotels – Full occupancy of city hotels
- Restaurants – Increased visits to cafes and restaurants
- Retail – Growth in retail sales
- Transportation – Increased demand for taxis and car rentals
The festival's total economic impact is estimated at $8 million.
Cultural Significance
"The Eurasia Film Festival plays an important role in developing Kazakhstan's creative industry. It provides a platform for young filmmakers and helps promote Kazakhstan cinema internationally" – Festival Director Aset Nurgaliev
The festival helps:
- Develop Kazakhstan's film industry
- Create international partnerships
- Improve the professional level of local filmmakers
- Promote Kazakhstan culture worldwide
- Create jobs in the creative sector
How to Participate
To attend festival screenings, visitors can:
- Purchase tickets online at the official website
- Buy tickets at cinema box offices
- Purchase festival passes (access to all screenings)
Ticket Prices
- Single screening – 2,000 tenge ($4.50)
- Day pass – 10,000 tenge ($22)
- Festival pass – 50,000 tenge ($110)
- For students – 50% discount with student ID
Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony and award presentation will take place on January 17, 2025 at the Congress Hall. The ceremony will be broadcast live on national television and streaming platforms.
Conclusion
The "Eurasia" International Film Festival has become an important cultural event not only for Kazakhstan but for the entire Central Asian region. The festival promotes the development of cinema, creates opportunities for international cooperation, and strengthens Kazakhstan's position on the world cinema map.
For more information and festival schedule, visit the official website: www.eurasiafest.kz
