By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Shinhan University hosted the Kazakhstan Film Festival, attracting students, media representatives, and academics from South Korea on Nov. 13~14, 2024.

In his welcoming remarks at the opening ceremony, Ambassador Nurgali Arystanov highlighted the significance of the festival as a symbol of strong friendship and cultural exchange between Kazakhstan and Korea.

Nurgali Arystanov spoke about Kazakhstan’s flourishing film industry since gaining independence, emphasizing that selecting films for the festival was no easy task. In honor of the 800th anniversary of the Ulus of Jochi, the main film chosen was Hero from the Past directed by Darkhan Sarkenov. Other films presented included Golden Eagle, Paralympian, Nartai, and My Big Kazakh Family, showcasing the cultural diversity, achievements, and challenges of the contemporary Kazakh society.

Ambassador Arystanov noted that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and President Yoon Suk Yeol place great importance on strengthening bilateral cultural and humanitarian ties. The Kazakh diplomat emphasized that the recent official visit of Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Murat Nurtleu, to South Korea has provided a strong boost to bilateral relations, including in the cultural sphere.

In addition, the ongoing development of direct contacts between the citizens of both countries was noted. In 2023, around 50,000 Kazakh citizens visited South Korea, reflecting a 50% increase compared to the previous year.

In turn, Shinhan University President Kang Sung Jong emphasized the prosperity of bilateral relations and expressed deep gratitude to the Kazakh people for the support provided to ethnic Koreans during their forced resettlement to Kazakhstan. He noted that such cultural events as the film festival will continue to strengthen relations between the two countries. Notably, Shinhan University also conducts short-term training programs for cadets from the Almaty Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan.

The Kazakhstan Film Festival in South Korea took place on November 13-14, opening audiences to the world of Kazakh cinema – vibrant, creative, and original art. South Korean viewers were mesmerized by the films presented at the festival, which reflect the unique features and profound authenticity of Kazakh culture, bringing a fresh perspective and the richness of national traditions to global cinema.