Kazakh Historical Drama to Compete at Golden Panda Awards in China
Historical drama “Qash” earns four nominations at Chengdu festival, spotlighting Kazakhstan’s bid to share its past with global audiences
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — A Kazakh historical drama about one of the country’s darkest periods is competing this week at China’s Golden Panda Awards, highlighting Central Asia’s growing presence on the international film circuit.
Qash (“Run”), the debut feature by director Aisultan Seitov, has been nominated in four categories: Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score. The nominations were announced ahead of the two-day festival in Chengdu, which opened on September 12, according to the Chinese outlet CGTN.
Set during the 1931–1933 famine in Kazakhstan — a catastrophe that killed nearly a third of the population under Soviet collectivization — the film follows Isatai, a gravedigger who undertakes a dangerous mission across the steppe to save his starving village. The lead roles are played by Yerkebulan Daiyrov and Ondassyn Bessikbassov.
Seitov, best known internationally for his work in music videos, has said he drew inspiration from a friend’s family story and wanted to bring a little-known historical tragedy to global audiences.
Analysts say Qash reflects Kazakhstan’s broader effort to reclaim historical memory and project its cultural identity through cinema.
The Golden Panda Awards, named after China’s national symbol, aim to promote cultural exchange. This year, 65 productions were shortlisted from more than 5,300 submissions across 126 countries and regions. A total of 27 awards will be handed out in film, television, documentary, and animation categories during the program.
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