Kazakhstan's Film Critics Organization Aligns with FIPRESCI
Gulnara Abikeyeva, a renowned Kazakh film scholar and critic, has made significant strides in promoting Kazakhstani cinema on a global scale. As the art director of the Eurasia International Film Festival in Almaty and a key figure in various international film festivals, Abikeyeva's contributions have been instrumental in elevating Kazakh cinema on the world stage.
In 2014, the Kazakhstan's Association of Film Critics, under Abikeyeva's leadership, was established. This association, which celebrates the best achievements of Kazakh cinema, joined the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) in the same year, becoming a part of a global network of film critics and scholars. The association, initially comprising seven members, grew to 26 members by 2024.
Abikeyeva's membership in FIPRESCI has seen her serve on critics' juries at numerous international film festivals, including Anapa, Berlin, Wiesbaden, Karlovy Vary, Cottbus, Oberhausen, and more. Her work extends beyond festivals, with her writing published in the Kazakh and international press, as well as on the FIPRESCI website, KinoKultura, and Cinemaya.
Her books on Kazakh and Central Asian cinema provide valuable insights into the region's film industry, offering a unique perspective on the evolution and growth of the cinematic landscape. Abikeyeva's writings have also been featured in the International Film Guide yearbook.
Abikeyeva's influence extends beyond Kazakhstan. In 2025, she participated in the Third Bishkek International Film Festival, where she was a member of the FIPRESCI jury. There, she contributed to the recognition of outstanding films, including the Best Film of the Central Asian competition.
In addition to her work with FIPRESCI, Abikeyeva is also a member of the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema. Her work has contributed to the promotion and protection of the rights and interests of film experts, cementing her status as a respected figure in the global film criticism community.
Notably, Kyrgyz representatives Sultan Usuvaliev and Gulbara Tolomushova were also granted FIPRESCI membership, further expanding the network's reach. Sultan Usuvaliev, a film critic and director, and Gulbara Tolomushova, a film critic and journalist, have also made significant contributions to the film industry.
From 2005 to 2013, Abikeyeva served as the art director of the Eurasia International Film Festival in Almaty, a role that has undoubtedly shaped her understanding and appreciation of international cinema. Her work continues to inspire and influence the film criticism community, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of cinema from Kazakhstan and beyond.
[1]: Link to the FIPRESCI Prize announcement for the Third Bishkek International Film Festival [2]: Link to the Best Film of the Central Asian competition at the Third Bishkek International Film Festival
Gulnara Abikeyeva's diverse interests and activities span beyond Kazakh cinema, as she is also a member of the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema, aiming to promote and protect the rights and interests of film experts. In her leisure time, Abikeyeva enjoys exploring education-and-self-development materials, providing her with a broader view of the world, and engaging with entertainment, whether it be movies or books. [1] [2]
