The upcoming weekend brings something interesting for every taste. In Astana, a blend of both relaxing and intellectually stimulating events awaits you in the coming days, as the capital prepared a slew of insightful lectures covering diverse topics, from nuances of Korean comics to open discussions of the 2001 anime masterpiece Spirited Away. Meanwhile, Almaty invites you to Omir Fest, a gathering for like-minded individuals to explore and discuss plant-based alternatives for meat products. The southern capital will also host a world-level competition in the aesthetic gymnastics scene, adding a competitive dimension to this weekend's events.
Check out this and more in the digest by QazMonitor.
Astana
"Manhwa: Korean Comics" lecture by Kamila Kayriden
Manga, manhua, and manhwa—all three represent distinct types of comics, but Korean manhwa steals the spotlight when it comes to capturing the intricacies of emotions and crafting dynamic scenes, giving its stories an unrivaled emotional tone. With series like Seasons of Blossom and Tower of God, it weaves deeply resonating tales.
NOTE: The lecture will be conducted in Russian.
Date: November 25, 5:00 p.m.
Address: Concept Art lecture hall, Kerey and Zhanibek Khans Street 5, office 23, 2nd floor
Entrance: ₸3,000
Village Stories play by Oralkhan Bokey
Throughout his life, Oralkhan Bokey drew heavily from his childhood in a remote Eastern Kazakhstan village. Through his Village Stories, he vividly depicted the lives and livelihoods of those who tended to the land against the backdrop of the Altay Mountains. Bokey skillfully turned the accounts of villagers' hardships into compelling narratives, offering readers a glimpse into the day in the life of a Kazakh village.
NOTE: The play will be staged in Kazakh.
Date: November 25, 6:00 p.m.
Address: Nomad City Hall, Mangilik Yel Avenue 55/2, Block 2.3
Entrance: ₸1,500
"Avatar: Cultural Symbolism" lecture by Medina Kumisbek
When a fan hears, “Then, everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked,” it unlocks a lot of memories. Memories of a wonderful world that integrated elements from different cultures, enriching the plot with meaningful symbols and historical references taken from all over. Get ready for insights into how the world of Avatar became not only a compelling work of animation but also a global phenomenon.
NOTE: The lecture will be conducted in Russian.
Date: November 26, 2:00 p.m.
Address: Concept Art lecture hall, Kerey and Zhanibek Khans Street 5, office 23, 2nd floor
Entrance: ₸3,000
Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し, dir. Hayao Miyazaki) cinema evening with Medina Kumisbek
Ten-year-old Chihiro and her parents are on their way to their new house when they stumble upon a mysterious red gate. There, they find themselves in an abandoned amusement park filled with stacked food stalls. Despite Chihiro's protests, her parents start to eat away. Disenchanted with them, she decides to explore the park on her own and encounters a mysterious boy who warns her to leave the park before darkness falls.
NOTE: The open discussion after the screening will be conducted in Russian.
Date: November 26, 6:00 p.m.
Address: Concept Art lecture hall, Kerey and Zhanibek Khans Street 5, office 23, 2nd floor
Entrance: ₸3,000
Almaty
M (dir. Fritz Lang) screening
It’s the early 1930s, Berlin is haunted by the recurring disappearances of children. Despite intensified efforts by the local police in response to public outcry, they struggle to apprehend the suspected serial killer. The whistleblowing grows rampant with each passing day, and it would seem that the city itself may give the killer the edge they need to evade justice.
NOTE: The movie will be screened in German with Russian subtitles.
Date: November 24, 6:30 p.m.
Address: Goethe-Institut Kasachstan, Premium business center, Nauryzbay Batyr Street 31, 5th floor
Entrance: Free
Neo Soul Essentials – Camilla Azbenova and jazz club residents
This Sunday is all about neo-soul! Get ready for funky bass lines, jazzy chord sequences, and winding rhythms. Camilla Azbenova's powerful vocals will accompany the music, infusing it with a lively and energizing feel—a hallmark of every true bop.
Date: November 26, 7:00 p.m.
Address: EverJazz cafe, Zenkov Street 24
Entrance: ₸2,000–₸6,000
Aesthetic Group Gymnastics World Championships
The strongest teams from sixteen countries will take part in the IFAGG World Championships, bringing together 1,500 athletes competing for 50 sets of medals in both long and short programs. The competition spans various age categories and includes mixed teams. Come and witness the graceful and exquisite sport of aesthetic gymnastics!
Dates: November 24-25
Address: Baluan Sholaq Arena, Abay Avenue 44
Entrance: ₸500–₸1,000
Omir Fest
In recent years, various meat alternatives have emerged in major Kazakh cities, and cafes and restaurants have begun introducing vegan options into their menus. With the growing acceptance of plant-based choices, Omir Fest provides a platform for like-minded people to learn about the market for plant-based alternatives and understand how to transition away from animal products.
Dates: November 25-26
NOTE: For the scheduled events and lectures please refer to the Omir Fest’s official Instagram.
Address: FORUM mall, Seifullin Avenue 617
Entrance: Free
The Art of Handicraft exhibition
The works of two distinct contemporary artists, Aliya Moldakhmetova and Atabek Bekbulatov, delve into the testimonies of the past. Through their exploration of items such as jewelry, clothing, tableware, and carpets, they present a visual narrative of Kazakh culture.
Date: until December 10
Address: Efes Art Space, Keremet Microdistrict 3/1
Entrance: Free
