The II Open Eurasian Butterfly of Diamonds film prize ceremony took place in Moscow. Kazakh filmmakers won in two categories.
Zhasulan Kopbergen was named best actor for his leading role in “QAITADAN,” directed by Duman Yerkimbek. Aleksandr Plotnikov received the best cinematographer award for his work on “Эвакуация,” directed by Farhat Sharipov.
“QAITADAN” is Duman Yerkimbek’s feature-length debut. It was made by Dala Cinema with support from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information and the State Center for Support of National Cinema. It is the first Kazakh film made with state support to earn more than 1 billion tenge at the box office.
The film follows a young man from the city who finds himself in a village and becomes trapped in a time loop. It explores responsibility, mutual assistance and relationships between generations.
The historical drama “Эвакуация” was made by the Shaken Aimanov Kazakhfilm National Film Studio. It tells the stories of people evacuated to Kazakhstan during the Great Patriotic War. Farhat Sharipov directed, wrote and produced the film.
The shortlist also included “Осенний бриз” by Adil Mereke and “Граждане крыши” by Gulshat Smagulova, both made with support from the ministry and the Film Center. A total of 41 films from 19 countries competed this year, with winners selected in 12 categories.
