Kazakhstan Film Week was held in Dubai from 6 to 8 November 2026. It was organised by the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Dubai in cooperation with the Dubai Media Council, with support from partners.
The event was held to mark Kazakhstan’s Republic Day and the 35th anniversary of the country’s Independence. Screenings took place at Reel Cinemas in Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations. The Film Week continued the Republic Day celebrations: on 25 October, the Burj Khalifa was illuminated in the colours of Kazakhstan’s national flag.
The main aim of the Film Week was to promote Kazakh cinema abroad, introduce Dubai residents and visitors to contemporary Kazakh culture, and strengthen cultural cooperation.
The opening ceremony on 6 November was attended by representatives of Dubai government entities, the diplomatic corps, business and cultural communities, and the Kazakh community.
Opening remarks were delivered by Almaz Tasbolat, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Dubai, and H.E. Hesham Al Olama, CEO of the Media Development Sector at the Dubai Media Council.
The ceremony highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and cooperation between the two countries, including in cinema and the creative industries. The Kazakh side noted that the development of national culture and the creative industries remains an important area of public policy and receives the attention of the Head of State. H.E. Hesham Al Olama congratulated Kazakhstan on Republic Day and noted that culture and cinema help build bridges between peoples and strengthen mutual understanding.
The Film Week opened with Baqyt Qushağynda ( Embrace of Happiness), a film built around the songs of the renowned Kazakh composer Shamshi Kaldayakov. The film was presented by its director and producer, Sanat Shapashov.
A second screening of the film for the Kazakh community and Dubai residents took place on 7 November.
On 8 November, the Film Week concluded with a screening of Alga ( The Start), presented by its screenwriter and producer, Maksim Akbarov.
The public screenings introduced international audiences to contemporary Kazakh cinema and created an opportunity for members of the Kazakh community living in Dubai to come together.
Air Astana ticket draws, held among guests throughout all three days, added a special touch to the programme.
Kazakhstan Film Week in Dubai provided further momentum to cultural and humanitarian relations between Kazakhstan and the UAE. Initiatives of this kind help promote Kazakh culture internationally, expand ties between the creative sectors of the two countries, and strengthen friendly relations between their peoples.
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