New Model of Contemporary Kazakh Cinema – Artstream: Trends and Paradigms

Amirbekova, Dana; Nogerbek, Baubek; Aidar, Alma; Muratkyzy, Aidana; Kudabayev, Aibek

doi:10.1515/culture-2025-0050

Figures & Tables

Characteristic signs of the mainstream and art cinema in the film “Rebirth Island” by Rustem Abdrashev

Signs of art cinema

Signs of mainstream cinema

It is based on the poetry of Zharaskan Abdrashev
The author’s style and philosophy of the director using unusual editing, tempo, and colour correction
Focus on deep themes: first love, loyalty, moral maturity, violation of human rights
Strong symbolism and metaphors based on Abdrashev’s poetry, with character symbols
Mixing genres and experimenting with form, including parallel plots
The severity of social problems: denunciations, violation of personal freedoms, discrimination, environmental disasters
The destruction of the Soviet mentality and emphasised realism with documentary elements
Multicultural composition of the characters, the difference between urban and rural Kazakhs, Russians, Ukrainians
Discussion of national culture and its infringement, the tragedy of the Aral Sea
Widely acclaimed at film festivals and critics

Plot is built in a clear structural integrity, consistent, and easy for a wide audience to perceive
The chosen genre and thematic focus of the picture (drama, romance) is also suitable for perception by a wide audience
Fictional film techniques are used extensively
Techniques of Western films are often noticeable
Roles are played by professional actors

Characteristic features of the mainstream and art cinema in “The Elevator” by Nurtas Adambay

Features of art cinema

Features of mainstream cinema

Focus on the inner world of the characters. In-depth study of the personalities of the main characters and their relationships in a crisis
Limited space as a metaphor. The use of an elevator as an enclosed space for the study of social and psychological problems
Non-linear storytelling, the use of monologues to reveal the characters’ past and their motivations
The author’s approach. The personal vision of the director and the original script reflecting the unique style and philosophy of Adambay
Psychological depth. Study of the psychological state of characters who have become hostages of an extreme situation
Social criticism. Criticism of social norms and values through the prism of conflict between characters of different social status

Exciting plot and dynamic development of events, unexpected twists, and tense situations. Events unfolding in a confined space (elevator), but with a high degree of dynamics and intensity
Plot contains a lesson about the importance of human relationships and the impossibility of solving all problems with money
Presence of elements of a psychological thriller
Success of the film at Genrecelebration 2018 in Los Angeles testifies to the recognition by the mainstream audience
Professional and high-quality work
Big budget
Wide release

Characteristic signs of the mainstream and art cinema in the film “The Old Man” by Ermek Tursunov

Signs of art cinema

Signs of mainstream cinema

Inner world of the character
Slow pace and detailed study of the moments
Visual expressiveness: using the Kazakh steppe to create a visual series
Existential themes: loneliness, death, the search for meaning
Mixture of genres: drama, philosophy, historical epic
Critical acclaim, awards at festivals
Adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s novel “The Old Man and the Sea.”
Part of the author’s trilogy
Non-professional actor in the title role
Unique style and novelty of the film language
Entourage and nature shots with a national flavour
“Humanisation” of nature, with the transformation of animals and even fog into characters

Inclusion of the events of the Great Patriotic War in the plot is aimed at attracting a wider audience due to historical interest
Charismatic main character
Presence of a conflict
Universal themes
Big budget
Wide release
Professional production, the use of expensive spectacular technological techniques

Characteristic signs of the mainstream and art cinema in the film “Balcony” by Kalykbek Salykov

Signs of art cinema

Signs of mainstream cinema

It is based on the poetry of Olzhas Suleimenov and his poem “Balcony”
A unique author’s style and philosophy, different from Soviet cinema, with unusual editing and tempo
Deep topics: personality cult, night arrests, denunciations, fear of being an “enemy of the people”
Symbolism: Solntselov as a “real human being” living outside of time
Genre experiments, tolgau elements in the screenplay (Kakisheva, 2015)
Experiments with form and content
Pronounced author’s viewpoint
Acute social problems, criticism of the Soviet system
Partial documentary, emphasised realism

The plot is built in a clear structural integrity, consistent and easy for a wide audience to perceive
The chosen genre and thematic focus of the painting is suitable for a wide audience

Characteristic signs of the mainstream and art cinema in the film “Lost” by Akan Satayev

Signs of art cinema	Signs of mainstream cinema
Mixture of genres: a mystical thriller and a philosophical parable Plot forces the viewer to be in suspense all the time. Ending is unpredictable and ambiguous There are only nine actors involved in the film, and the whole action takes place in the Kazakh steppe Special time frame Using music as a tool to create suspense Philosophical and metaphorical subtext and message of the whole film	Elements of widely popular genres of thriller, detective, and drama are used Professional production Professional and famous actors Use of special effects and expensive spectacular technological techniques Wide release Targeting a mass audience Good box office receipts Big budget

Characteristic signs of the mainstream and art cinema in the film “Walnut tree” by Yerlan Nurmakhanbetov

Signs of art cinema

Signs of mainstream cinema

Non-linear plot without main characters, reflecting the director’s concept
Atmospheric: directorial work on immersion in the life of the village, typical for art cinema
Depth of the characters
Satire for the analysis of everyday life and social norms
Authentic casting, including actors from local theatres and villagers
Yerlan Nurmukhambetov’s unique visual style with an emphasis on camera work and details, reducing the role of acting
Absence of traditional conflicts and dramatic peaks, the narrative of everyday life

Comedy and drama with elements of adventure and romance aimed at a wide audience
Linear plot with a happy ending
The use of popular motifs, such as bride kidnapping, makes the film close and understandable to a wide range of viewers
Presence of humour and funny situations designed to entertain the audience
Participation and success at international film festivals

Characteristic signs of the mainstream and art cinema in the film “Kash” by Aisultan Seitov

Features of art cinema

Features of mainstream cinema

The debut film of the music video maker with an original visual and restrained colour correction, accentuating doom with patches of warm tones for comfort and safety
The plot is about overcoming the animal nature, permeated with abstraction and symbolism, reflecting the realism of the 1930s
The archetype of the main character is an ordinary man fighting for survival
An authentically created world evokes a strong emotional reaction from the audience
The 4 by 3 format enhances the atmosphere of limitation and lack of freedom, being associated with the Soviet past
Suspense in the scenes is emphasised by the original musical accompaniment
The film touches on the theme of mass starvation, emphasising the engagement of art cinema in understanding historical and social issues

Professional and high-quality work
Big budget
Wide release
Theme is close to many residents of the country and resonates with feelings, enhancing empathy for the characters
Highly professional approach to decorations, costumes, and other visual identity
Story of the struggle and overcoming of personal and social trials has massive attractive potential
The film is designed to have a strong emotional impact on the viewer
Plot dynamics and tension, built according to the laws of Hollywood films. The presence of disturbing suspense scenes and musical accompaniment that enhance the viewing experience

Characteristic signs of the mainstream and art cinema in the film “Needle” by Rashid Nugmanov

Signs of art cinema

Signs of mainstream cinema

Unique author’s style (elements of neorealism and expressive visualisation, unusual editing for Soviet films)
Focus on deep topics (drug addiction, alienation, and the search for meaning in life)
Symbolism and metaphor (for example, the needle as a symbol of addiction and pain)
Experiments with form (including a non-linear plot and non-standard cinematic techniques)
Author’s viewpoint
The music of the band “Kino” and Viktor Tsoy plays a significant role in creating the atmosphere of the film and its emotional impact on the viewer
“Needle” has had a significant impact on culture and has become a cult film, which is also a sign of the auteurism
Most of the actors involved in the film played themselves.
Acute social problems

Popularity among a wide audience
Famous cultural figure in the title role. Victor Tsoi, the leader of the “Kino” band, played the main role in the film, which attracted the attention of his many fans
Genre elements (thriller and crime movie elements)
Professional production