This was highlighted by Dr. Aibarsha Bozheyeva, Chair of the Festival’s Selection Committee, PhD, Associate Professor at AlmaU, and a renowned expert in art and film studies, whose expertise has been instrumental to the festival’s success.
The Selection Committee commenced its work by reviewing over 60 submissions from across the globe. Joining Dr. Bozheyeva on the panel were esteemed French journalist and film critic Barbara Lorey de Lacharrière and Kazakhstani director Azat Hakimov. Together, they carefully curated a lineup of films that meet the festival’s exacting standards.
"In selecting films, we prioritize depth of expression. Festival cinema is not about entertainment; it is a unique art form crafted to inspire reflection and foster critical thought," explains Aibarsha Bozheyeva.
The key criteria include:
- Depth and Metaphor – the films must explore philosophical questions, reveal layered imagery, and leave a lasting emotional impact.
- Innovation in Cinematic Language – pioneering approaches to form, editing, and technique are defining features of festival cinema.
- Spirituality – an essential element that underpins the essence of true art.
Aibarsha Bozheyeva highlighted that most of the selected films are auteur works, often transcending traditional genre boundaries. At the same time, some films skillfully emulate genre cinema.
"My favorite is the French film Disco Boy. It’s not just an action movie about refugees; it elevates us to a deeper contemplation of human existence. The ending is unexpected, philosophical, and shifts the narrative to an entirely different dimension. This level of filmmaking is comparable to the greatest, like Francis Coppola," shared the Selection Committee Chair.
Although each film is unique, the Selection Committee sought to create harmony within the program.
"We aimed to choose films that vary in pace, genre, and concept, yet all adhere to the festival’s rigorous standards," emphasized Bozheyeva.
For the audience, this means a chance to experience both classic cinematic techniques and the most innovative experiments with form.
The festival places special emphasis on films from Eurasian countries. According to Aibarsha Bozheyeva, these works are striking in their originality: "They no longer adhere to traditional dramaturgical rules. It's as though life unfolds before your eyes, with no clear beginning or end, and ellipses replacing full stops. This is the legacy of the great masters."
Aibarsha Bozheyeva is convinced that in an era dominated by entertainment content, festival cinema is more necessary than ever.
“These films stand on par with those of the 1960s. They encourage us to reflect, offer a new perspective on the world, and reveal that beyond the obvious lies a deeper meaning,” concluded the expert.
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.
Sponsors include the international construction company Bazis-A, the mining company KAZ Minerals, Sarens Kazakhstan, Salem Entertainment, the Kinopark Theatres cinema chain, and Astana Motors. Their support has been crucial in ensuring the festival’s success, making it a significant cultural event on the global stage.
From November 24 to 30, audiences can look forward to discoveries, surprises, and inspiration at Almaty’s premier cinematic event of the year. The films curated by Aibarsha Bozheyeva and her colleagues promise to be a true celebration for art lovers. For more information on the festival program, please visit the official website at eurasiaiff.info.
