Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Birthday of Abdolla Karsakbayev
Abdolla Karsakbayev, one of the pioneers of Kazakh cinema, was commemorated in Istanbul with a special event dedicated to the 100th anniversary of his birthday. During the event, held as part of the “Sixth Korkut Ata Film Festival of the Turkic World”, the director’s cinematic legacy was explored, whilst his unforgettable work “My Name Is Koja” was introduced to cinema enthusiasts.
Within the framework of the “First International Korkut Ata Cinema Symposium of the Turkic World” held in Istanbul, a commemorative event was held to mark the 100th anniversary of the birthday of Abdolla Karsakbayev, one of the leading directors of Kazakh cinema.
At the symposium held in partnership with TURKSOY, Secretary General Sultan Raev, alongside Adilet Omarov, the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Centre for the Support of Cinema (affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan) and Nadira Saduova, the Press Spokesperson for the Kazakhfilm National Film Studio JSC delivered speeches on Karsakbayev and his importance in Kazakh cinema as well as his artistic legacy.
Secretary General Sultan Raev: “Art based on its own culture can speak to all of humanity”
Speaking at the event, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev noted that Karsakbayev had left a lasting mark on the history of cinema by bringing the life, culture and values of the Kazakh people to the silver screen.
Noting that Karsakbayev’s works had transcended the borders of Kazakhstan and won the appreciation of audiences in various countries, Secretary General Raev said: “Art based on its own culture can speak to all of humanity.”
Emphasising that cinema is a powerful cultural bridge which preserves cultural memory, enables nations to get to know one another and shapes a shared future, Secretary General Raev said that Karsakbayev was one of the great masters who succeeded in building this bridge by telling the stories of his own people.
Highlighting the significance of the 100th anniversary of the birthday of Karsakbayev being included in UNESCO’s calendar of commemorations and celebrations, Secretary General Raev noted that TURKSOY also decided to mark this meaningful anniversary across the Turkic World.
Secretary General Raev explained that the aim for TURKSOY is to hereby introduce works by the great director to new generations and to showcase the rich heritage of Kazakh cinema to wider audiences.
Contributions of Karsakbayev to Kazakh cinema
Speaking at the commemorative event, Mr. Adilet Omarov, the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Centre for the Support of Cinema JSC, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Mrs. Nadira Saduova, the Press Spokesperson for the Kazakhfilm National Film Studio JSC, also shared their assessments regarding Abdolla Karsakbayev’s artistic career and the legacy he left behind in Kazakh cinema.
‘My Name Is Koja’ was introduced to spectators
The commemorative event also featured the screening of Abdolla Karsakbayev’s film ‘My Name is Koja’, which ranks among the classics of Kazakh cinema.
Exploring the world of childhood, friendship, honesty and human relationships, the film stands out as one of the significant works which have transcended the borders of Kazakhstan to take its place in the memories of different generations. Prior to the screening, a discussion was held with Nadira Saduova, during which the production process of the film and Karsakbayev’s work in the field of cinema were discussed.
Dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birthday of Karsakbayev, the event contributed to introduce important works of Kazakh cinema to wider audiences and promote the shared cinema heritage of the Turkic World.
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