AVENUE OF STARS
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AVENUE OF STARS OF KAZAKH CINEMA

is a tribute to the masters of domestic cinema, whose contributions are forever etched in the history of the cinematic arts.
The Avenue was opened in 2011 as part of the 7th Eurasia International Film Festival.
It immortalizes the names of actors, directors, screenwriters, and all those who have contributed to the world of cinema and left their mark on its development. Stars of Shaken Aimanov, Sultan-Akhmet Khozhikov, Amina Omirzakova, and many other outstanding figures whose works inspire generations, shine here.
The Kazakhfilm Avenue of Stars is a place where the past and the future meet, reminding us of the significance of cinema as an art that unites people, generations, and eras.
Oraz Abishev
The founder of Kazakh documentary filmmaking, who directed about 70 films and more than 300 film magazines. His works, such as "The High Sky of Talgat" about pilot Talgat Begeldinov, "Absinthe" about the legendary stallion, and "Wings of Kenan" about the akyn Kenen Azirbaev, have become classics of national cinema. His contribution to the development of Kazakh cinema was recognized with the State Prize of the Kazakh SSR and the Order of "Otan". His work was honored with a star on the Kazakhfilm Walk of Fame in 2011.
Nurgisa Tlendiev
An outstanding Kazakh composer, conductor, and dombrist, who made an invaluable contribution to the development of national music and cinematography. He created music for over 50 films, including "Kyz Zhibek", "Menin Atim Khozha", "Alpamys Goes to School", and "Why Does the Swallow Have Horns?". His kuy "Akku" became the musical symbol of the film "Kyz Zhibek". His work as the chief editor of the music department at Kazakhfilm in 1968 enhanced the role of music in shaping the artistic image of films. He founded the folklore-ethnographic orchestra "Otyrar Sazy", reviving the sound of ancient Kazakh instruments and enriching the country's cultural heritage. In 2025, the 100th anniversary of his birth will be celebrated.
Amen Khaidary
The founder of Kazakh animation, who created the first national animated film "Why Does the Swallow's Tail Split?" (1967), which became the starting point for the development of Kazakhfilm's animation direction. His work on animated films, such as "Aksak Kulan" (1968), combined folk tales with artistic expression. His contribution to the development of domestic animation was recognized with the State Prize of the Kazakh SSR and the Orders of "Barys" and "Parasat".
Kassym Zhakibaev
A People's Artist of Kazakhstan who performed over 300 roles in theater and film. He made a significant contribution to Kazakh cinema as an actor, playing prominent roles in "Kyz Zhibek" (1970) and "Alpamys Goes to School" (1976).
Asanaly Ashimov
Is an outstanding Kazakh actor and director, recognized for his significant contribution to the development of theater and cinema. He was born on May 8, 1937, in the village of Zhayylma, South Kazakhstan Region. In 1961, he graduated from the Theater and Art Institute of the Kazakh State Conservatory named after Kurmangazy in Almaty. Since 1963, he worked as an actor and director at the Kazakh State Academic Drama Theater named after M. Auezov, creating about 50 roles on stage. He made his film debut in 1958 in the film Botagoz, and gained widespread fame thanks to his roles in the films Kyz-Zhibek (1970), The End of the Ataman (1970), Trans-Siberian Express (1977), and The Manchurian Option (1989). He also proved himself as a director, shooting the films Year of the Dragon (1981), Legendary Chokan (1985), Goats Korpesh - Bayan Sulu (1992) and House by the Salt Lake (2004).
Throughout his career, Asanal Asimov received numerous awards.
In 2022, a bronze sculpture of Asanal Asimov was erected in Almaty to mark the actor's 85th birthday. The monument is located on the grounds of the Kazakhstan Business Cooperation Center “Atakent,” opposite the famous Atakent arches.

Idris Karsakbaev
A set designer who made a significant contribution to the visual design of Kazakh films. His works were of a high artistic level and contributed to the development of national cinema. He received a special prize from the Union of Artists of the USSR for sketches made for the film "Blood and Sweat". As one of the creators of the film "Trans-Siberian Express", he was awarded the State Prize of the Kazakh SSR in 1978. Idris Karsakbaev sought to organically incorporate ethnographic and folklore motifs of Kazakh visual art into every work. In his cinematographic career, he also had several small acting roles in films like "Angel in a Tübeteyke", "Journey to Childhood", "On the Wings of Song", "The Accused Have No Claims", and others.
Nurzhaman Ikhtymbaev
A People's Artist of Kazakhstan and laureate of the State Prize of the USSR. His acting career spans dozens of films, including "Kyz Zhibek" and "The Death of Otrar", where he demonstrated a deep understanding and embodiment of the national character.
Ayagan Shazymbaev
An actor, director, and screenwriter. He directed documentaries "Algeria" (1989) and "Zhansibil" (1991), which contributed to the development of Kazakh cinema and left their mark in history. At Kazakhfilm, he worked on films such as "Trans-Siberian Express" (1977), "Shadow" by A. Mambetov (1981), "Madame Wong" by S. Puyinchin (1986), "Our Gani" by A. Karsakbaev (1971), "Arman Atamen" by Serik Narymbetov (1967), "Taste of Power" by Serik Ametov (1982), "Kiyan" by S. Appimov (1989), "Shokan Ualikhanov" by A. Ashimov, "TurkSib" by S. Zharmukhamedov (1986), among others as the film editor.
Tamara Kosybaeva
A distinguished artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who dedicated more than 70 years to her acting career. Her works include the films "Songs of Abai" (1945), "Journey to Childhood" (1968), "Among People" (1978), and "Zheruiyk" (2010).
Raissa Mukhamediarova
A distinguished artist of the Kazakh SSR. Her roles in the films "My Name is Kozha" (1963) and "Angel in a Tübeteyke" (1968) added sincerity and emotional depth to Kazakh cinema, becoming classics of the national screen.
Olzhas Suleimenov
A People's Writer of Kazakhstan and laureate of the State Prize of the Kazakh SSR. A Hero of Labor of Kazakhstan, he wrote the screenplay for the film "Land of the Fathers" (1966), which became one of the highest-grossing films of Kazakhfilm.
Kadyr Kosay
The first Kazakh sound engineer of the highest category, who worked for over 40 years at Kazakhfilm. He participated in the creation of over 200 dubbing films and 10 animated films.
Kuman Tastanbekov
A People's Artist of the Kazakh SSR, known for his role as Tolegen in the film "Kyz Zhibek" (1970). He was also an actor at the Kazakh State Academic Drama Theater named after M.O. Auezov.
Meruert Otekesheva
A distinguished artist of the Kazakh SSR, known for playing the role of Kyz Zhibek in the film of the same name. She graduated from the theatrical faculty of the Kazakh State Institute of Arts named after Kurmangazy and has been working at the Kazakh Academic Drama Theater since 1973.
Zhambyl Kudaibergenov
A film actor and distinguished artist of the Kazakh SSR. He appeared in the films "The Bandits Chased Hamit" and "Choice", leaving a lasting impact on Kazakh cinema.
Satibaldy Narymbetov
A distinguished figure of Kazakhstan, laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan, director and screenwriter of films such as "Leila's Prayer", "Ompa", and "Amanat".
Mentay Otebergenov
A distinguished artist of Kazakhstan, known for his roles in the films "Blood and Sweat" and "When the Geese Return in November".
Farhat Abdirayimov
A distinguished figure of Kazakhstan, laureate of the "Silver George" award at the Moscow International Film Festival. Famous for his role in the film "Fara" (1998), for which he won the award for Best Actor at the Moscow International Film Festival. Also known for his films "Who is Gentler" and "Shanghai".
Igor Vovnyanko
A director and screenwriter. His works include the films "An Unusual Day", "Horizons", "Chokan Ualikhanov", and documentary films "Kumshagal Story", "Tengiz". He also served as the chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of Kazakhstan from 2005 to 2013.
Vyacheslav Belyalov
A cinematographer and director, who dedicated his career to creating films about the nature of Kazakhstan. His works, such as "Snow Tigers", "Berkuts", and "Saigas", have become classics of popular science cinema and made a significant contribution to the preservation of the country's natural heritage.
Eskenir Tynishpaev
The first professional Kazakh cinematographer, a distinguished figure in the arts of the Kazakh SSR. He shot more than 10,000 shots for the newsreel "Soviet Kazakhstan" and was the cinematographer of the films "Biz Zhetisudanbyz" and "Onyn Uaqyty Koledi".
Yuriy Breus
The chief engineer of Kazakhfilm, who participated in the design and construction of studio complexes. His engineering solutions provided the technical foundation for the development of Kazakh cinema.
Mark Berkovich
A cinematographer and director, a distinguished figure in the arts of the Kazakh SSR. He worked at the studios "Mosfilm", "Mosnauchfilm", and "Kazakhfilm". His collaborations with Shaken Aimanov created the classics of Kazakh cinema: "My Name is Kozha" (1963) and "Blood and Sweat" (1978), which defined the visual style of Kazakh cinema.
Yuriy Pomerantsev
A Soviet and Kazakh actor of theater and cinema, director, and public figure. A participant in the Great Patriotic War, he was severely wounded and after treatment in 1943 moved to Almaty. He began his acting career in 1943 at the Kazakh Opera and Ballet Theater named after Abai. Since 1954, he worked at the Almaty Russian Drama Theater. People's Artist of the Kazakh SSR (1961), Hero of Labor of Kazakhstan (2018).
Oraz Rymzhanov
A film director, cinematographer, producer, and public figure. Founder of the Eurasia International Film Festival. A member of the Supreme Soviet of the Kazakh SSR, 12th convocation. Member of the Union of Cinematographers of the USSR and Kazakhstan.
Sharip Beisembaev
A Kazakh and Soviet film director and actor, born in Petropavlovsk and graduated from the acting department of the Tashkent Theatre Arts Institute. He directed several famous films, including "Kyz Zhibek" (1970), "Aldar Kose" (1972), and "Kokserek" (1973). Worked in film and theater, making a significant contribution to the development of Kazakh cinema.
Kulakhmet Kozhykov
A film director, actor, and screenwriter, born in 1930 in Kazakhstan. He worked in film and theater, directing significant films such as "Bitter Experience" and "Woman in the Heart". He was also an author of several screenplays and actively participated in the theatrical life of the country.
Sagi Ashimov
A theater and film actor, director, and teacher. People's Artist of Kazakhstan, laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the independent "Tarlan" award. He worked at the Kazakh Drama Theatre named after M. O. Auezov since 1961.
Tengirbergen Khazhiyev
A film producer, head of the Kazakhfilm studio named after Shaken Aimanov. Since 1976, he worked at Kazakhfilm in various positions, including deputy director of films, director of films, first deputy director, and general director. He participated in the creation of more than 20 feature films, such as "Blood and Sweat", "Legendary Chokan", "Allazhar", "Every Man Will Ascend Golgotha", "Kuna", "Makhambet", "Akhem Ekeumuz", "Birjan Sal", "Zheruyik", "Dameli".
Kanimbek Kasymbekuly
A film director and screenwriter. From 1964 until the end of his life, he worked as part of the Kazakh State Academic Drama Theatre named after Mukhatar Auezov. He began acting in films in 1965. From 1979, he was a member of the artistic council of the Ministry of Culture of the USSR for dramatic art. During his time in theater and cinema, he created about 100 roles.
Kamal Smayilov
A writer, publicist, cinematographer, and public figure. He worked at the editorial office of the newspaper "Leninshil Zhas", was the first editor-in-chief of the magazine "Bilim zhane Enbek", chairman of the State Committee for Cinematography under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kazakh SSR, deputy chairman of the State Television and Radio Committee of the Kazakh SSR, editor-in-chief of the magazines "Parasat", "Communist of Kazakhstan", and chairman of the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan. Author of more than 15 books and more than 400 articles and essays. A distinguished figure of Kazakhstan (1998), a distinguished worker of culture of Kazakhstan (1993).
Anuar Moldabekov
An actor of theater and cinema. Born on May 20, 1938, in the Ili district of Almaty region. Since 1964, he worked in the actor’s staff of the Kazakh State Academic Drama Theater named after Mukhatar Auezov. He acted in films since 1965. During his career in theater and cinema, he created around 100 roles. People's Artist of the Kazakh SSR (1976), laureate of the State Prize of the Kazakh SSR (1967).
Idiris Nogaybaev
An actor of theater and cinema. Born in 1936. Worked at the Kazakh State Academic Drama Theater named after Mukhatar Auezov. He acted in films, appearing in several films and TV productions.
Kenenbay Kozhabekov
A producer and director, who played a key role in the development of Kazakh cinema. He worked on creating such historical films as "Kazakh Khanate" and "Tauke Khan", leaving a significant impact on national cinema.
Amina Omirzakova
An actress of theater and cinema, one of the brightest personalities in Kazakh cinema. She played leading roles in famous films such as "My Name is Kozha" and "Karash-Karash". Her work has been recognized with numerous awards and recognition, including the title of People's Artist of the Kazakh SSR.
Nurmukhan Zhantorin
A theater and cinema actor, People's Artist of the USSR. Known for his roles in such classic films as "Kyz Zhibek" and "Shokan Ualikhanov". His talents in theater and cinematography had a huge impact on the development of Kazakh art.
Yelubay Omirzakov
A theater and cinema actor, People's Artist of Kazakhstan. He created vivid images in films such as "Aldar Kose" and "Birjan Sal", playing an important role in the formation of Kazakh cinema.
Sultan-Akhmet Kozhykov
A director and screenwriter, author of famous films "Shokan Ualikhanov" and "Aldar Kose". He made a significant contribution to the development of Kazakh cinema and played a key role in creating historical films and preserving cultural heritage.
Kalibek Kuanishbayev
A theater and cinema actor, People's Artist of Kazakhstan. He played key roles in such well-known films as "Ataman's Last Day" and "Tomiris". His work spans both cinema and theatrical performances.
Serali Kozhamkulov
A theater and cinema actor, People's Artist of Kazakhstan. Known for his roles in films such as "Kyz Zhibek" and "Karash-Karash". His performances on stage and in cinema were always characterized by depth and emotionality, which brought him recognition from audiences and critics.
Abdulla Karsakbaev
A film director and screenwriter, a distinguished figure in the arts of Kazakhstan. He worked at Kazakhfilm, directing films such as "Kairat" and "Karash-Karash". He was the director of such significant films as "Komekshi" and "Kairat", which played an important role in the development of Kazakh cinema in the 70s and 80s.
Mazhit Begalin
A director and screenwriter, a distinguished figure in the arts of Kazakhstan. He made historical and dramatic films such as "Kozy-Korpesh — Bayan Sulu" and "Akyrgy Sagas", which were highly appreciated both in Kazakhstan and abroad.
Shaken Aymanov
An actor, director, and producer, People's Artist of Kazakhstan. He played key roles in films such as "Kyz Zhibek", "My Name is Kozha", "Brave Heart" ("Zhau zhurek myn bala"). His film "Kyz Zhibek" became iconic in Kazakh cinema and remains a cult film to this day. Shaken Aymanov made an enormous contribution to the development of Kazakh cinema, placing its rich cultural heritage and folklore at its center. He was one of the founders of national cinema, playing an important role in the creation of the first full-length feature films in Kazakhstan. In honor of his contributions, the Kazakhfilm studio was named after Shaken Aymanov.
Sergey Eisenstein
A film director, screenwriter, cinema theorist, and educator. He received his education at the Petrograd Institute of Civil Engineering, but soon switched to the arts. In the 1920s, he directed such iconic films as "Battleship Potemkin" (1925) and "October" (1928), which had a significant influence on the development of world cinema. Eisenstein is also known for his theoretical works, particularly the concept of montage.
Ivan Pyryev
A film director, screenwriter, and actor. He worked at the studios "Mosfilm" and "Lenfilm". Known for his films "Cossacks of Kuban" (1949), "The Swineherd and the Shepherd" (1941), "Tale of the Land of Siberia" (1947). Pyryev was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR.
Yefim Dzigan
A film director, screenwriter, and educator. He worked at the "Mosfilm" and "Lenfilm" studios. He is known for his films "The Swineherd and the Shepherd" (1941) and "The Tale of Siberian Land" (1947). Dzigan was awarded the title of Honored Artist of the RSFSR.
Grigory Roshal
A film director, screenwriter, and educator. He worked at the "Mosfilm" and "Lenfilm" studios. He is known for his films "Rimsky-Korsakov" (1950) and "New Gulliver" (1935). Roshal was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR and received two Stalin Prizes of the first degree.
Yefim Aron
A film director and screenwriter. He worked at the "Mosfilm" and "Lenfilm" studios. He is known for his films "TurkSib" (1929) and "In the Far East" (1937). Aron was awarded the title of Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR.
Moisey Levin
A set designer and film director. He worked as a theatrical designer in theaters of Leningrad and the Bolshoi Drama Theater. In the 1930s, he worked in Kazakhstan, where he became the People's Artist of the Kazakh SSR. He is known for his films "Journey to Arzrum" (1936) and "Amangeldy" (1938).
Viktor Turin
A film director and screenwriter. He was born on January 1, 1895, in St. Petersburg. He studied at the theatrical school in St. Petersburg. In 1912, he moved to Boston (USA) to live with relatives. He worked at the "Vostok-Kino" and "Mosfilm" studios. He is known for his films "The Provocateur" (1928) and "TurkSib" (1929).