Category: Kazakhstan
Olga Korotko: “The film is a comedy in its construction and a tragedy in its outcome”
In Crickets, It's Your Turn, Kazakh filmmaker Olga Korotko explores gender-based violence, complicity and the structures of power that sustain them. Ahead of the film's Spanish premiere in Barcelona, she… [...]
World Bank’s Najy Benhassine on Economic Growth and Transformation in Central Asia
Central Asia is attracting growing international investment, but strong economic growth has yet to deliver deeper structural transformation. World Bank director Najy Benhassine explains what needs to change. [...]
Trapped in a time loop: How Zero Point Action is pushing Mongolian cinema into science fiction
What happens when a man is forced to relive his own murder? Mongolian filmmaker Aldar Enkhbayar discusses the ideas behind Zero Point Action, the influence of video games, the social… [...]
In Kazakhstan, Military Service Continues to Worry Young Men
As Kazakhstan launches its autumn conscription campaign, many young men are going to great lengths to avoid military service. In Astana, accounts of forced recruitment, violence and abuse in the… [...]
Beyond Karakorum: How Italian and Mongolian archaeologists are uncovering the past
Archaeologist Roberta Menegazzi discusses new discoveries in Mongolia's Bayangolyn Valley, Italian-Mongolian research cooperation, and the importance of involving local communities in preserving archaeological heritage. [...]
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How Kazakh NGOs and Farmers Are Adapting to Climate Change
From snow retention in Kazakhstan's western steppes to the restoration of Lake Zhumay, local farmers and conservationists are developing affordable responses to drought and water scarcity. But can these grassroots… [...]
The Middle Corridor is growing, but can it deliver? A logistics operator’s perspective
The Middle Corridor is attracting growing freight volumes, but can its infrastructure keep pace? Christian Hirschmann of Azurite Logistics discusses the Caspian bottleneck, commercial competitiveness and Kazakhstan's growing role in… [...]
Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir: “Housing is the Mongolian dream – and nightmare”
Mongolian filmmaker Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir discusses Ulaanbaatar, the country’s apartment obsession, masculinity, spirituality and her determination to show a modern Mongolia beyond stereotypes of nomads, horses and the steppe. [...]
‘I am a German from Kazakhstan’: Lena Wolf on deportation, memory and finding home
Lena Wolf, a German from Kazakhstan, reflects on her family’s deportation, Soviet-era Russification, migration to Germany and the search for identity across generations. [...]
Dotor Khuree: “We want to make Mongolian music with contemporary instruments”
Dotor Khuree blends Mongolian musical traditions with contemporary instrumentation. The Ulaanbaatar band discusses its latest EP, musical identity and Mongolia’s independent scene. [...]
Kazakhstan’s AI Ambitions Face an Energy and Water Test in Ekibastuz
Kazakhstan wants to turn Ekibastuz into a major hub for AI computing. But as its Data Center Valley could eventually reach 1 GW, questions are mounting over electricity, water and… [...]
Janina Arsenjeva: “Finding a problem doesn’t mean reform has failed”
Disability rights are gaining ground across Central Asia, but progress remains uneven. Janina Arsenjeva discusses what is changing, who is still being left behind, and why finding problems can itself… [...]