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Golden Lantern Film Awards Triumph for Kazakhstani Cinema in India

Kazakhstani Film Clinches Win at the Golden Lion Film Festival in India

, and ASMedia

2025 September 25 . 12:38 AM

1 min read

Triumphant Kazakh Cinema at the Golden Lion Film Festival in India

Golden Lantern Film Awards Triumph for Kazakhstani Cinema in India

The Kazakh film "Citizens of the Roof" has been making waves in the international film scene, recently winning awards at the Golden Lion International Film Festival (GLIFF) in Kolkata, India, and the Oniros Film Awards in New York.

Directed by Bazarturza Umirbek, the film deals with the themes of social adaptation and inclusion for people with special needs. It revolves around the friendship between a young man with a troubled past and an autistic teenager, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and social adaptation for people with special needs.

"Citizens of the Roof" was shot in Kazakhstan and has been honored at the GLIFF. The film was nominated for two awards, including Best International Feature Film, which it went on to win. Additionally, Gulshat Smagulova, the film's director, was recognised for her debut as a filmmaker at the festival.

The film also features five female debuts: producer Aliya Sharipbayeva, screenwriter Zhanna Timofeyeva, production designer Yelena Aitova, actress Lidiya Yartseva, and director Gulshat Smagulova. The film was produced, written, designed, and directed by women in prominent roles.

"Citizens of the Roof" was also a quarter-finalist at the Oniros Film Awards in New York in December 2024. The film has been recognised for its powerful portrayal of friendship and its thoughtful exploration of the themes of social adaptation and inclusion.

The Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information reported the nominations and awards of "Citizens of the Roof" at the GLIFF on Jan. 6. The film has received critical acclaim for its compelling narrative and its ability to shed light on important social issues. With its success at international film festivals, "Citizens of the Roof" is set to make a significant impact on the global film industry.