Category: Kazakhstan
Sweet Milky Corn: the film, in which everyone recognizes themselves
A heated debate continues in Kazakhstan’s film industry around redistribution of the resources among the titular creative elite, privileged officials, and monopolists of the field. The industry, which depends entirely… [...]
Kazakhstan: Residents suffer from lack of water
Since May 2023, the capital of Kazakhstan is suffering from a severe water crisis, as a result residents are now facing a shortage of drinking water. According to the government,… [...]
“Goliath” – a parable of power
With his new film “Goliath,” director Adilkhan Yerzhanov once again takes his audience into the vastness of the Kazakh steppe. The revenge western celebrated its German premiere on 29 April… [...]
In Central Asia, the Freedom of Press is in Decline
Almost every year, countries in Central Asia are placed at the bottom of NGO Reporters Without Borders’, annual ranking for the freedom of press. Every country has dropped in ranking,… [...]
“Islands of Soviet power on the steppes”
Out on the Kazakh steppe, in the early days of Soviet rule, so-called red yurts tried to bring the USSR and its communist ideals to those that were most inaccessible… [...]
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Kazakhstan: two activists get 15-days detention for peaceful protests against “unfair” election
On May 6, two activists of “Oyan, Qazaqstan” (kaz. for “Wake up, Kazakhstan!”) political movements were detained for protesting the election results. Both have been actively protesting in… [...]
Ukraine criticizes Central Asian presidents’ participation in Moscow’s May 9 parade
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has issued a strong statement condemning the presence of Central Asian presidents at the May 9 parade held in Moscow… [...]
Kazakhstan: commemorating Victory Day without military parade
Similar to last year, May 9 in Kazakhstan is overshadowed by Russia’s war in Ukraine. Military parades have been cancelled, once again. Instead, this year’s Victory Day will mainly be… [...]
Central Asian presidents invited to attend Russian Victory Day Parade
Russian president Vladimir Putin has invited his counterparts from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to attend the annual Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9. The occasion… [...]
GoEast Film Festival in Wiesbaden opens on April 26
The 23rd goEast Festival of Central and Eastern European Film will take place in Wiesbaden from 26 April to 2 May. This year’s programme also includes several films from Central… [...]
Beyond fun and games – the politics of Nowruz
In Central Asia, the beginning of spring is traditionally marked by Nowruz, also known as ‘Persian New Year.’ Typical holiday celebrations include horse games, family visits, and large feasts. But… [...]
Women’s Day in Kazakhstan: hundreds gather for rally in Almaty
On International Women’s Day in Almaty, feminist organisations rallied “for bodily autonomy and against sexual violence”. According to estimates, 700 to 1000 participants joined the rally to express their demands. [...]