Kazakh film "Bauryna Salu" wins special prize at France’s Cinema Heritage Festival

According to the press service of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Askhat Kuchinchirekov's critically praised picture Bauryna Salu from Kazakhstan has won a Special Prize at the esteemed Cinema Heritage Festival, Kazinform News Agency reports.

The Cinema Heritage Festival's organizers recognized Bauryna Salu for providing a deep understanding of Kazakh culture, thus emphasizing its relevance in promoting cultural diversity, a major UNESCO focus.

“Every year, the Cinema Heritage Festival brings together the best representatives of the world film industry, and the recognition of a Kazakhstani film at this important event underlines its international success and significance for world cinematic culture,” the ministry said in an address.

Bauryna Salu depicts the emotional story of a 12-year-old boy raised by his grandmother based on Kazakh custom of Bauryna Salu, which maintains that close relatives rather than biological parents are in charge of rearing a child. When his grandmother passes away, the boy is sent to live with his parents, leading to a struggle to reconnect with them. The film draws on Kuchinchirekov’s own childhood experiences, giving it a personal and authentic narrative.

Having debuted at the San Sebastian Film Festival and taken home Best Film at Kazakhstan's national Tulpar Awards, the movie has already attracted attention abroad. It has also been selected as Kazakhstan’s entry for the 2024 Oscar as the Best International Feature.