Kazakh Film Wins Top Prize at Golden Lion Festival in India
The Kazakh film “Citizens of the Roof” has achieved international recognition by winning two nominations at the Golden Lion International Film Festival (GLIFF) in Kolkata, India. The Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information announced on Jan. 6 that the film was honored as the Best International Feature Film and also won the Best Debut Filmmaker of Feature Film award.
The movie, which highlighted the work of five female debuts in the industry, including producer Aliya Sharipbayeva, screenwriter Zhanna Timofeyeva, production designer Yelena Aitova, actress Lidiya Yartseva, and director Gulshat Smagulova, tells the story of the friendship between Damir, a young man with a troubled past, and Kostya, an autistic teenager. The film addresses important themes such as social adaptation for people with special needs and the value of inclusion.
In addition to its success at the GLIFF, “Citizens of the Roof” was also recognized as a quarter-finalist at the Oniros Film Awards in New York in December 2024, further solidifying its impact on the international film scene. The film’s compelling storytelling and powerful message have resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning it well-deserved accolades and acclaim.
