ALLEY OF STARS
History∘
Alley of Stars of Kazakh Cinema

Is a tribute to the masters of domestic cinema, whose contribution is forever inscribed in the history of cinema. The alley was opened in 2011 as part of the VII International Film Festival “Eurasia.”
It immortalizes the names of actors, directors, screenwriters, and everyone involved in the world of cinema who has left their mark on its development. Here shine the stars of Shaken Aimanov, Sultan-Akhmet Khodzhikov, Amina Umurzakova, and many other outstanding personalities whose work inspires generations.
The Kazakhfilm Studio Walk of Fame is a place where the past and the future meet, reminding us of the importance of cinema as an art form that unites people, generations, and eras.

Oraz Abishev
Founder of Kazakh documentary filmmaking, he directed around 70 films and more than 300 newsreels. His works, such as “The High Sky of Talgat” about the pilot Talgat Begeldinov, “Absinthe” about the legendary stallion, and “The Wings of Kenena” about the akyn Kenena 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 dombra player, he made an invaluable contribution to the development of national music and cinema. He composed the music for more than 50 films, including “Kyz Zhibek,” “Menin Atim Koja,” “Alpamys Goes to School,” and “Why Does a Swallow Have a Horned Tail?” His kuy “Akku” became the musical symbol of the film “Kyz Zhibek.” His work as editor-in-chief of the music department at Kazakhfilm in 1968 strengthened the role of music in shaping the artistic image of films. He founded the folk and ethnographic orchestra Otyrar Sazy, reviving the sound of ancient Kazakh instruments and enriching the country's cultural heritage. The 100th anniversary of his birth will be celebrated in 2025.

Amen Kaidar
He laid the foundations of Kazakh animation by creating the first national cartoon “Qarlygashtyng Quyrygy Nega Ayyr?” (1967), which became the starting point for the development of animation at Kazakhfilm. His work on cartoons such as “Aqsak 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 Barys and Parasat orders.

Kasym Zhakybayev
People's Artist of Kazakhstan, who played more than 300 roles in theater and cinema. He made a significant contribution to Kazakh cinema as an actor, playing vivid roles in the films “Kyz Zhibek” (1970) and “Alpamys Goes to School” (1976).

Асанали Ашимов
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.

Ydyrys Karsakbayev
Production designer who made a significant contribution to the visual design of Kazakh films. His work was distinguished by its high artistic level and contributed to the development of national cinema.
For his sketches for the film Blood and Sweat, Ydyrys Karsakbaev was awarded a special prize by the Union of Artists of the USSR. As one of the creators of the film Trans-Siberian Express, he was awarded the State Prize of the Kazakh SSR in 1978. In each of his works, Idris Karsakbaev sought to organically incorporate ethnographic and folkloric motifs from Kazakh visual art.
Ydyrys Karsakbayev's filmography also includes several small acting roles: Angel in a Turban, Journey to Childhood, On the Wings of a Song, No Complaints, and others.

Nurzhuman Yktymbayev
People's Artist of Kazakhstan, laureate of the USSR State Prize. His acting career spans dozens of films, including “Kyz Zhibek” and “The Fall of Otrar,” where he demonstrated a deep understanding and embodiment of the national character.
Ayagan Shezhimbayev
Actor, director, screenwriter. He directed the documentaries “Algeria” (1989) and “Zhansebil” (1991), which contributed to the development of Kazakh cinema and left their mark on history.
At the Kazakhfilm studio, he worked on the films Trans-Siber Express (1977), Shadow by A. Mambetov (1981), Madame Wong by S. Puinchin (1986), Our Gani by A. Karsakbayev (1971), Arman Atamen Serik Narymbettov (1967), Serik Akhmetov (1982), Taste of Power by Serik Ametov (1982), Kiyan by S. Appimov (1989), Shokan Valikhanov by A. Ashimova, “Turksib” by S. Zharmukhamedova (1986) ) as film editors.

Tamara Kosybayeva
Honored Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who has devoted 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 Zheruyik (2010).

Raisa Mukhamediyarova
Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR. Her roles in the films “My Name is Kozha” (1963) and “Angel in a Turban” (1968) added sincerity and emotional depth to Kazakh cinema, becoming classics of the national screen.

Olzhas Suleimenov
People's Writer of Kazakhstan, laureate of the State Prize of the Kazakh SSR. Hero of Labor of Kazakhstan, author of the screenplay for the film “Land of Fathers” (1966), which became one of the highest-grossing films of Kazakhfilm.

Kadyr Kosai
The first Kazakhstani sound engineer of the highest category, who worked for over 40 years at the Kazakhfilm Studio. He participated in the creation of over 200 dubbed films and 10 animated films.
Kuman Tastanbekov
People's Artist of the Kazakh SSR, known for his role as Tölegen 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
Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR, performer of the role of Qyz Zhibek in the film of the same name. She graduated from the theater department of the Kazakh State Institute of Arts named after Kurmangazy and has been working at the Kazakh Academic Drama Theater since 1973.
Zhambyl Kudaibergenov
Film actor, Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR. He starred in the films Bandyny Kuugan Khamit and Vybor, leaving a bright mark on Kazakh cinema.
Satybaldy Narymbetov
Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan, director and screenwriter of the films “Leila's Prayer,” “Ompa,” and “Amanat.”
Mentai Otepbergenov
Honored Artist of Kazakhstan, known for his roles in the films “Qan men ter” and “Karasha kazdar kaitkanda.”
Farhat Abdyraimov
Honored Artist of Kazakhstan, winner of the Silver George Award at the Moscow International Film Festival. He rose to fame for his role in the film “Fara” (1998), for which he received the award for Best Actor at the Moscow International Film Festival. He is also known for his roles in the films “Who Is More Tender” and “Shanghai.”
Igor Vovnyanko
Director and screenwriter. His works include the films An Unusual Day, Horizons, Chokan Valikhanov, and the documentaries Kumsaghal History and Tengiz. He also served as chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of Kazakhstan from 2005 to 2013.
Vyacheslav Belyalov
Cinematographer and director who has dedicated his career to making films about the nature of Kazakhstan. His works, such as Tiger of the Snow, Berkuts, and Saigaks, have become classics of popular science cinema and have made a significant contribution to the preservation of the country's natural heritage.
Eskendir Tynyspaev
The first professional Kazakh cinematographer and Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR. He shot more than 10,000 scenes for the film magazine Soviet Kazakhstan and was the cinematographer for the films Biz Zhetisudanbyz and Onyn Uakty Keled.
Yuri Breus
Chief engineer of the Kazakhfilm Studio, who participated in the design and construction of studio complexes. His engineering solutions provided the technical basis for the development of Kazakh cinema.
Mark Berkovich
Cinematographer and director, Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR. He worked at the Mosfilm, Mosnauchnoyfilm, and Kazakhfilm studios. His works include films created in collaboration with Shaken Aimanov, which have become classics of Kazakh cinema: Meni Atim Koja (1963) and Kan Men Ter (1978) defined the visual style of Kazakh cinema.
Yuri Pomerantsev
Soviet and Kazakh theater and film actor, director, public figure. Participant in the Great Patriotic War, he was seriously 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. From 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
Film director, cinematographer, producer, and public figure. Founder of the Eurasia International Film Festival. Deputy of the Supreme Council of the Kazakh SSR of the 12th convocation. Member of the Union of Cinematographers of the USSR and Kazakhstan.
Sharip Beisembayev
Kazakh and Soviet film director and actor, born in Petropavlovsk, graduated from the acting department of the Tashkent Theater and Art Institute. He directed several well-known films, including “Qyz Zhibek” (1970), “Aldar Kose” (1972), and “Kokserek” (1973). He worked in film and theater and made a significant contribution to the development of Kazakh cinema.

Kulakhmet Khodzhikov
Film director, actor, and screenwriter, born in 1930 in Kazakhstan. He worked in film and theater, directing several notable films, including “Bitter Experience” and “Woman in the Heart.” He also wrote several screenplays and was actively involved in the country's theater life.
Sagi Ashimov
Theater and film actor, director, and teacher. People's Artist of Kazakhstan, winner of the State Prize of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the independent Tarlan Prize. Since 1961, he has worked at the M. O. Auezov Kazakh Drama Theater.
Tanirbergen Khazhiev
Film producer, head of the Shaken Aimanov Kazakhfilm Studio. Since 1976, he has worked at the Kazakhfilm Studio in various positions, including deputy director of films, director of films, first deputy director, and general director. He has participated in the creation of more than 20 feature films, such as Blood and Sweat, The Legendary Chokan, Allazhar, Everyone Will Go to Calvary, Kuna, Mahambet, Akem Ekeumiz, Birzhan Sal, Zheruyik, and Dämeli.
Kanymbek Kasymbekuly
Film director and screenwriter. From 1964 until the end of his life, he worked as an actor at the Mukhtar Auezov Kazakh State Academic Drama Theater. He began acting in films in 1965. From 1979, he was a member of the Artistic Council for Dramatic Arts of the USSR Ministry of Culture. During his career in theater and film, he played around 100 roles.
Kamal Smailov
Writer, publicist, filmmaker, statesman, and public figure. He worked on the editorial board of the newspaper Leninshil Jas, was the first editor-in-chief of the magazine Bilim Zhan 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. He is the author of more than 15 books and over 400 articles and essays. He was named an Honored Worker of Kazakhstan in 1998 and an Honored Worker of Culture of Kazakhstan in 1993.

Anuar Moldabekov
Theater and film actor. Born on May 20, 1938, in the Ili district of the Almaty region. From 1964 until the end of his life, he worked as an actor at the Mukhtar Auezov Kazakh State Academic Drama Theater. He began acting in films in 1965. During his career in theater and cinema, he played about 100 roles. People's Artist of the Kazakh SSR (1976), laureate of the State Prize of the Kazakh SSR (1967).
Ydyrys Nogaybayev
Theater and film actor. Born in 1936. Worked at the Mukhtar Auezov Kazakh State Academic Drama Theater. Appeared in several films and television productions.
Kenenbay Kozhabekov
Producer and director who played a key role in the development of Kazakh cinema. He worked on the creation of such historical films as “Kazakh Khan” and “Tauke Khan,” leaving a significant mark on national cinema.
Amina Omirzakova
Theatre and film actress, one of the brightest personalities of Kazakh cinema. She played leading roles in such famous films as Menin Atim Koja and Karash-Karash. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the title of People's Artist of the Kazakh SSR.
Nurmukhan Zhantorin
Theater and film actor, People's Artist of the USSR. Known for his roles in such classic films as “Qyz Zhibek” and “Shokan Ualikhanov.” His talents in theater and cinema have had a huge impact on the development of Kazakh art.
Елубай Омирзаков
Актёр театра и кино, Народный артист Казахстана. Создал яркие образы в таких фильмах, как «Алдар Көсе» и «Біржан сал», сыграв важную роль в становлении казахстанского кинематографа.
Sultan-Ahmet Khodzhikov
Director and screenwriter, author of the famous films Shokan Ualikhanov and Aldar Kose. He has made a significant contribution to the development of Kazakh cinema and played a key role in the creation of historical films and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Kalibek Kuanyshbayev
Theater and film actor, People's Artist of Kazakhstan. He played key roles in such famous films as Atamanny'n Akyrgy Kuni and Tomiris. His work encompasses not only cinema, but also theater productions.
Serali Kozhamkulov
Theater and film actor, People's Artist of Kazakhstan. Known for his roles in films such as “Qyz Zhibek” and “Karash-Karash.” His performances on stage and in film have always been distinguished by their depth and emotionality, which have earned him recognition from audiences and critics alike.
Abdulla Karsakbayev
Film director and screenwriter, Honored Artist of Kazakhstan. He worked at Kazakhfilm, directing such films as “Kairat” and “Karash-Karash.” He directed such significant films as “Kömekshi” and “Kairat,” which played an important role in the development of Kazakh cinema in the 1970s and 1980s.
Mazhit Begalin
Director and screenwriter, Honored Artist of Kazakhstan. He directed historical and dramatic films such as “Qozy-Körpesh — Bayan Sulu” and “Aqyrgy Sagat,” which were highly acclaimed both in Kazakhstan and abroad.
Shaken Aimanov
Actor, director, and producer, People's Artist of Kazakhstan. He played key roles in such films as “Qyz Zhibek,” “Menin Atim Koja,” and “Zhao Zurek My Bal.” His film “Qyz Zhibek” became a landmark in Kazakh cinema and remains a cult film to this day. Shakhen Aimanov had a huge influence on 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 feature films in Kazakhstan. In honor of his achievements, the Kazakhfilm Studio was named after Shaken Aimanov.
Sergei Eisenstein
Film director, screenwriter, film theorist, educator. He received his education at the Petrograd Institute of Civil Engineers, but soon switched to art. In the 1920s, he directed such cult films as Battleship Potemkin (1925) and October (1928), which had a significant impact on the development of world cinema. Eisenstein is also known for his theoretical works, in particular his concept of montage.
Ivan Pyryev
Film director, screenwriter, actor. He worked at the Mosfilm and Lenfilm studios. He is known for his films Kuban Cossacks (1949), The Swineherd and the Shepherd (1941), and The Legend of the Siberian Land (1947). Pyryev was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR.
Yefim Dzigan
Film director, screenwriter, teacher. He worked at the Mosfilm and Lenfilm studios. He is known for his films The Swineherd and the Shepherd (1941) and The Legend of the Siberian Land (1947). Dzygan was awarded the title of Honored Artist of the RSFSR.
Grigory Roshal
Film director, screenwriter, teacher. Worked at the Mosfilm and Lenfilm studios. Known for his films Rimsky-Korsakov (1950) and The New Gulliver (1935). Roshal was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR and two Stalin Prizes of the first degree.
Yefim Aron
Film director and screenwriter. Worked at the Mosfilm and Lenfilm studios. Known for his films Turksib (1929) and In the Far East (1937). Aron was awarded the title of Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR.
Moisei Levin
Production designer, film director. Worked as a theater artist in Leningrad theaters, including the Bolshoi Drama Theater. In the 1930s, he worked in Kazakhstan, where he became a People's Artist of the Kazakh SSR. He is known for his films Journey to Arzrum (1936) and Amangeldy (1938).
Viktor Turin
Film director and screenwriter. Born on January 1, 1895, in St. Petersburg. Studied at a theater school in St. Petersburg. In 1912, he left for Boston (USA) to live with relatives. He worked at the Vostok-Kino and Mosfilm studios. He is known for his films Provocateur (1928) and Turksib (1929).