November 17 to 19 promises a great lineup of events to lose yourself in. Case in point: if you live in Astana, the capital has a treat for all movie enthusiasts with the explosive kick-off of the Astana International Short Film Festival, showcasing new filmmakers and sparking discussions about the state of the domestic film scene. Meanwhile, Almaty residents are in for a digital exhibition featuring the renowned street enigma Banksy, and the annual ShabashXBalama gig, uniting the local indie rock and metal scene for an unforgettable two-evening experience.
Check out this and more in the digest by QazMonitor below.
Astana
Week of Turkish Cinema
The start of a weekend in the capital promises a glimpse into the cinema of past and present Turkiye with the heart-pounding action of a modern blockbuster, 'The Battle of Canakkale,' unfolding a tale of a young pilot navigating the turbulent skies of World War I, contrasting with that of the timeless Yesilcam classic, 'The Girl with the Red Scarf,' and the whirlwind romance of Asya and Iliyas.
NOTE: The movies will be screened in Turkish with Russian subtitles.
Dates:
November 17, 7:00 p.m. – The Battle of Canakkale (Son Mektup, dir. Ozhan Eren)
November 18, 7:00 p.m. – The Girl with the Red Scarf (Selvi Boylum Al Yazmalım, dir. Atıf Yılmaz)
Address: Kinopark7 IMAX cinema theater, Keruen Mall, Dostyq Street 9
Entrance: Free
Astana International Short Film Festival
But wait, the movie magic doesn't stop there, so brace yourself as the Astana International Short Film Festival takes the stage, unveiling cinematic gems crafted by aspiring Kazakh, Uzbek, Kyrgyz, Sakha, and Russian filmmakers. This is a unique opportunity to delve into the world of local movie languages across documentaries, live-action films, music, and art videos.
Date: November 17-18
NOTE: For the full program please refer to the official schedule available on the organizer’s Instagram.
Address: Arsenal Astana cinema, Ybyray Altynsarin Street 4
Entrance: ₸5,000
K-Maestro exhibition
To celebrate the cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Korea, the K-Maestro exhibition presents an installation featuring maedup and padong knots, traditional handicraft involving braiding techniques that creates finished knots with symmetrical beauty on both the front and back. Additionally, the exhibition includes a showcase of traditional metalworks, illuminated and accompanied by an immersive soundscape.
Date: until December 3
Address: Nur Alem Museum of Future Energy, Mangilik Yel Avenue B1
Entrance: ₸1,500
Almaty
ShabashXBalama concert
This year, the annual gig between Shabash and Balama brings Almaty's audience to local underground bands from the indie rock and metal scene, all converging in one place to deliver a truly unforgettable experience. Get ready for the grindcore madness of Ajal interspersing with the indie soul of Kisa v Kolese.
Dates:
November 18, 6:00 p.m.
November 19, 4:00 p.m.
Address: Anklav bar, Zenkov Street 24
Entrance: ₸3,000–₸4,500
'Numismatic Heritage of Kazakhstan' exhibition
Beyond its obvious practical applications, our tenge and its predecessors unveil a captivating history, from medieval silver and copper coins to the paper notes of the Russian Empire, Soviet Union, and our republic. Dig into the scientific descriptions and archival trivia, all on display, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of our monetary heritage.
Date: until December 20
Address: Central State Museum, Microdistrict Samal-1, 44
Entrance: ₸200–₸2,000
'Banksy. Genius or Vandal?' digital exhibition
Banksy—the name that is still on the back burner of today’s zeitgeist, and even though the height of the 'Banksy effect' is past us, the streets of the UK and beyond continue to bear the marks of the enigmatic artist. Lumiere Hall unveils the very streets that serve as Banksy's canvas, immersing visitors in the vibrant environment where this artistic genius works his magic.
Date: until December 25
Address: Lumiere Hall, Al-Farabi Avenue 13
Entrance: ₸3,000–₸3,500
