The official launch ceremony for the international feature film "Armor of God: Ultimatum," starring world-renowned actor Jackie Chan, took place in Almaty.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aida Balayeva, Almaty City Akim Darkhan Satybaldy, Almaty Region Akim Marat Sultangaziyev, and representatives of the Kazakh and international film industries.
Welcoming the guest, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude for his contribution to the development of Kazakh-Chinese relations.
"I express my gratitude to you for promoting Kazakhstan's culture on the global stage and strengthening the cultural and humanitarian ties between our countries. I wish you new creative achievements and success in the upcoming filming," said Aida Balayeva. During the meeting, Jackie Chan spoke with talented young artists from Almaty and young filmmakers – graduates of the T. Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts. He wished them success in their creative endeavors and emphasized the importance of continuous development and a passion for their craft. As a memento of the meeting, the children presented the famous actor with his portraits.
The event culminated in a commemorative photograph with a traditional cinema plate – a universally accepted symbol of the beginning of filming – marking the official start of production.
The project is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Chinese state-owned film company China Film Group Corporation. The film is being produced by the Kazakh company Sәlem Entertainment and the Hong Kong company Billion Target.
Filming will take place in Kazakhstan from July to October 2026 under the direction of Kazakh director Robert Kuhn. The film is intended for wide international release. The main filming locations will be Almaty and the Almaty and Mangystau regions. The project is strategic and image-building for Kazakhstan. Its implementation will promote the country's cultural, tourism, and investment potential, develop film tourism, strengthen international cooperation, and increase Kazakhstan's visibility as a modern filming location for major international film projects.