Official opening of the AlmaU School of Media and Film in partnership with JSC Kazakhfilm named after Shaken Aimanov

On 18 May, the School of Media and Film, a new division of AlmaU in partnership with Kazakhfilm, was officially opened at Kazakhfilm Studios.

The School was established in 2021 with the aim of providing accessible and high quality education, professional development and training in new skills and competencies required in the film industry, as well as involving the younger generation in Kazakhfilm's film studio activities.

Many significant events took place during the year: the first intake of students, the opening of a new degree in Digital Filmmaking, and the opening and equipping of the AlmaU campus in the film studio.

The opening ceremony included a formal part with the cutting of the red ribbon and an informal part with a buffet, performances by artists and AlmaU students.

The welcome speeches were delivered by Roza Karibzhanova, Chairman of the Committee for Culture and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan; and Alisher Abdykadyrov, Deputy Akim of Almaty. He noted that the opening of the School was a significant event for the life of the city and for the development of the creative industry in the country.

Warm words and wishes to the School were expressed by the President of Kazakhfilm Studios, filmmaker Akan Sataev. In his speech he expressed the hope that "This great journey ahead of the students will ultimately lead to great things that will change the world for the better".

Gulnara Kurenkeyeva, Rector of AlmaU, spoke about how the idea of opening the school came about. "I hope that the joint work of Kazakhfilm Studio and AlmaU will create a school that will become number one in the field of media and cinema," said the head of the university.

The opening of such a significant event brought together AlmaU partners, actors, directors, musicians, as well as stakeholders. Cintana Education's strategic partner Rick Shangrow, President of the Cintana Education Alliance and Çagri Bağcıoğlu, Head of Cintana Education Eastern Europe and Central Asia were also present. They spoke on behalf of Arizona State University. Andrey Beklemishev, Vice President of International Data Corporation, was among the guests of the AlmaU Board of Trustees.

After the speeches, everyone was invited to visit the campus of the School of Media and Film. During the tour, guests were introduced to the classrooms and editing studios for the students' practical studies. According to Kazakh tradition, a shashu for all witnesses of the historic day was made for a successful and happy beginning.

At the end of the official part, the witnesses of the festivities went to an open-air buffet. Guests were able to meet the speakers and enjoy the atmosphere of the outdoor celebration. A concert and live music were organised especially for the guests, where the following artists performed: Marcel, Tengri band, and Lumos student club. It is worth noting that the School's students demonstrated their acting skills and staged a number of skits for the audience.

The guests were shown a video about the work done by the School of Media and Film. The guests were also welcomed by film director Adilkhan Yerzhanov, actor Daniyar Alshinov, film critic Gulnara Akikeyeva, PhD in Art History, and founder of the PR Club Asel Karaulova.

There was a creative and joyful atmosphere on the lawn of the film studio. We wish the AlmaU`s School of Media and Film and Kazakhfilm to become the best in their business and reach unprecedented heights in the history of the media and film industry!

*AlmaU's School of Media and Film trains undergraduate students in three core academic programmes: "Digital Filmmaking, New Media and Public Relations.