Kazakh animated film wins audience award at Jordan festival

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — The Kazakh animated feature Altyn Adam (“Golden Man”) has won the Audience Choice Award at the 4th International Children’s Film Festival in Jordan, marking a milestone for the country’s growing film industry.

The victory was announced by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information and reported by the state-run Kazinform News Agency. Produced by the Shaken Aimanov Kazakhfilm studio with support from the State Center for the Support of National Cinema, the film was directed by Turdybek Maidan and Tilek Toleugazy, with a screenplay by Annas Bagdat and Ularbek Nurgalym.

The Jordanian festival, held from August 15 to 21 under the patronage of Princess Jalila bint Ali, was organized by the Royal Film Commission. Its competition program featured children’s and youth films from Kazakhstan, China, the Netherlands, Latvia, and several other countries.

Altyn Adam premiered in Kazakhstan on June 5. The story follows a Saka warrior who climbs to the peak of Khan Tengri in search of the mythical Fire of Life. Beyond its adventurous plot, the film emphasizes the values of purity, courage, and the pursuit of goodness — themes the creators hope will inspire children and instill moral lessons.

Kazakhstan has been investing in national cinema as part of broader cultural policy, with Altyn Adam emerging as one of its most prominent international successes in recent years.

The recognition in Jordan follows a series of efforts by Kazakh filmmakers to expand abroad, as the government seeks to diversify the country’s image beyond oil and minerals by showcasing its history, culture, and creativity on international platforms.