Almaty to host 11th International Film Festival of Student and Debut Films ‘Bastau’
The city of Almaty is to host the 11th International Film Festival of Student and Debut Films ‘Bastau’ from December 12 through 16, 2023, Kazinform News Agency reports.
The festival is to be opened at the Abai Kazakh National Theatre of Opera and Ballet on December 12, with the historic drama ‘Zalozhniki voiny’ (Prisoners of War) by Yeldar Kaparov as the opening film.
The film is based on the real story and life of Japanese cadet of the Imperial school Ahiko Tetsuro captured by the Soviets after WWII. Young Ahiko meets Kazakh war hero Akazhan, who served in the Soviet Army and took part in the Berlin offensive at the camp. Later, the Kazakh was sent to fight in the war in Japan, where he was injured and captured. After his return, Akzhan was condemned as a traitor and enemy of the people.
The Prisoners of War film is directed by Boris Cherdabayev, Aliya Uvalzhanova, Sano Shinju, and Shuichi Yoshimura. Starring in the film are Syrym Kashkabayev and Eisaku Ogasawara.
The International Film Festival of Student and Debut Films ‘Bastau’ is organized by Tanaris Production and A-Team film companies with the support of the administration of Almaty as well as the Culture and Information Ministry of Kazakhstan.
The film is to be screened at the Arman cinema free-of-charge.
