Kazakhstan's Film Critics Guild Joins the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI)
Kazakhstan's Film Critics Join the International Stage
In a significant move for the Kazakh film industry, the Association of Film Critics has joined the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI). This membership marks an important milestone, integrating Kazakhstan's film criticism community into the international network and encouraging cross-cultural exchange.
Founded in 1930, FIPRESCI aims to develop world cinema and protect the rights and interests of film experts. It unites film critics and scholars worldwide, including Gulnara Abikeyeva, a renowned Kazakh film scholar and critic. Abikeyeva, who served as the art director of the Eurasia International Film Festival in Almaty from 2005 to 2013, has been a member of FIPRESCI and the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema.
Abikeyeva's contributions extend beyond Kazakhstan, as she has been part of critics' juries at international film festivals in Anapa, Berlin, Wiesbaden, Karlovy Vary, Cottbus, Oberhausen, and other cities. Two other notable Kyrgyz film critics, Sultan Usuvaliev and Gulbara Tolomushova, have also been granted FIPRESCI membership.
The Association of Film Critics, established in 2014, has grown from 7 to 26 members by 2024. One of its significant achievements is the establishment of the Critics' Choice Film Award, a celebration of the best achievements in Kazakh cinema. However, due to the pandemic, the award has only been presented nine times.
The Association's membership in FIPRESCI can bolster the visibility of Kazakhstan's filmmakers, attract international attention to its film industry, and enhance the professional status of its critics. This affiliation offers opportunities for Kazakhstan to participate in juries for major international film festivals, contribute to the global conversation on cinema, and support the development of local film criticism through training and networking opportunities.
Unfortunately, specific details about the history and significance of Kazakhstan's Association of Film Critics or its joining of FIPRESCI could not be confirmed from the available search results. For precise, cited information about the association’s history and activities post-FIPRESCI membership, additional sources specifically focused on Kazakhstan’s film institutions or the association’s official publications would be necessary.
The news of the Association's membership in FIPRESCI was reported on January 21.
The Association of Film Critics, now part of FIPRESCI, aims to strengthen Kazakhstan's position in the global entertainment industry, including movies-and-tv, by promoting local film criticism and attracting international attention to its film industry. Through this membership, Kazakhstan's film experts can network, train, and participate in juries for major international film festivals, thereby contributing to the global entertainment discourse.
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