Kazakhstan celebrates Abdulla Karsakbayev's centennial as a UNESCO-recognized cinema legend
Culture
A vibrant creative evening, "The Titan of Kazakh Cinema," at the Konaev House of Culture launched a series of celebratory events marking the 100th anniversary of the legendary director and Honored Art Worker of the Kazakh SSR, Abdulla Karsakbayev. Poets, writers, and film industry figures took the stage to share their memories of the celebrated artist.
A congratulatory address from the Head of State was read by Marat Sultangaziyev, the akim (governor) of Almaty Region. In his message, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that Abdulla Karsakbayev was a towering figure who elevated Kazakh cinema to an entirely new level of artistic excellence.
"His films—My Name Is Kozha, Pursuit in the Steppe, Alpamys Goes to School, and other masterpieces—remain treasures of our national culture. With unparalleled skill, the director captured the unique spirit and inner world of his characters with exquisite precision. His works are undeniably part of the golden fund of Kazakh cinema.
Rooted in national philosophy and the people's spirit, Karsakbayev's creations profoundly expanded the horizons of younger generations. The centennial of this outstanding son of our nation is being celebrated under the auspices of UNESCO—a testament to his global recognition. I am confident that the legacy of our esteemed compatriot, a true luminary of Kazakh cinema, will continue to be studied in depth, for Abdulla Karsakbayev's contribution is truly one of a kind," the president's message stated.
In turn, Doszhan Zholzhaksynov, a People's Artist of Kazakhstan, recalled how Karsakbayev had opened the door to cinema for him.
"It's impossible to fully encompass the master's legacy in a single evening," the actor noted. "Take My Name Is Kozha alone—a film that caused a sensation worldwide and earned a special diploma at the Cannes International Film Festival in 1967. The director had a singular, unmistakable style. Through his masterpieces, the world discovered the Kazakh way of life. Abdulla Karsakbayev's work is an integral part of Kazakhstan's cultural heritage, leaving an indelible mark on the history of our national cinema."
The audience in Konaev responded with thunderous applause to performances by Ramazan Stamgaziyev, Nurlan Onerbayev, a children's choir, and other artistic ensembles. Throughout the evening, excerpts from Karsakbayev's films were screened, immersing attendees in his cinematic world.
According to concertgoers, the defining feature of the director's films for young audiences was their childlike perspective on the world—a lens through which even the most daunting challenges could be overcome. Though his life was brief, Abdulla Karsakbayev left an indelible mark on Kazakh cinema, earning the admiration of his countrymen and the title of a national classic.
The centennial celebrations honoring the renowned native of Almaty Region will continue through the end of the year. Recognized by UNESCO, the events will introduce global audiences to the enduring legacy of this luminous figure in Kazakh film.
#concert #memory #Konaev #100years #AbdullaKarsakbayev
