First Kazakh Cameraman Votes for Oscar Winners
Kazakh Cameraman Yerkinbek Ptyraliyev Joins Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
ASTANA – Cameraman Yerkinbek Ptyraliyev has made history by becoming the first Kazakh to join the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Ptyraliyev filmed “Dala Kaskyry” (“Steppenwolf”), a movie directed by Adilkhan Yerzhanov, which received high praise from the jury at the Fantasia International Film Festival held in Montreal, Canada from July 18 to Aug. 4.
The Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information reported on July 29 that Berik Aitzhanov and Anna Starchenko, who played the main roles in the film, were recognized as the best actors for their outstanding performances. “Dala Kaskyry” tells the gripping story of Tamara, who enlists the help of a former investigator to find her son who disappeared during a period of civil unrest.
The film premiered at the Category A Film Festival in Rotterdam and also received accolades at the Reims Polar Film Festival in France. In April, “Dala Kaskyry” took home the grand prize, the Golden Raven statuette, at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFFF).
Ptyraliyev’s achievement in joining the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences further highlights the growing recognition and success of Kazakh filmmakers on the international stage. The film industry in Kazakhstan continues to flourish, producing award-winning films that captivate audiences and earn critical acclaim worldwide.
