Landmark achievements, breathtaking victories, and dazzling premieres – such was the outgoing year for culture and sports. Kazakh artists, filmmakers, and athletes once again showcased their extraordinary talents to the nation and the world, highlighting the diversity and richness of the country’s cultural heritage. Kazakh art was featured at globally renowned venues such as the Venice Biennale and the Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts in Paris. Additionally, Kazakhstan successfully presented its printed publications at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
«Kazakhstan’s participation in the Frankfurter Buchmesse is a historic event. Today, we are presenting not only our cultural heritage but also our classic and contemporary authors, as well as our publishers,» noted Rustam Ali, Chairman of the Committee for Archives, Documentation and Book Affairs of the Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information.
This year, the Days of Kazakh Culture were successfully held in Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, making a significant contribution to the promotion of cultural diplomacy. Kazakh films gained recognition at prestigious film festivals, promoting the country’s image abroad. For instance, the movie «The Divorce» by Kazakh director Daniyar Salamat won at the 26th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) Golden Cup Award ceremony. The «Bauryna Salu» (Adoption) by Askhat Kuchinchirekov earned a special prize at a festival in France. Notably, the film has been submitted for an Oscar nomination next year.
One of the highlights of 2024 was the fifth World Nomad Games. They went down in history as a unique event that showcased not only national sports but also the customs, traditions, and other important elements of Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage.
«We should all, each of us, not only governments or civil society, each of us should protect our national treasures, and the role of youth in this is essential. So, I make an appeal to you, you are beautiful members, representatives of the younger generation to preserve, protect, cherish, and love your national treasures including traditional sports,» said Simona-Mirela Miculescu, President of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference.
Kazakh athletes also performed successfully at the 33rd Summer Olympic Games in Paris this year, earning one gold, three silver, and three bronze medals. On the very first day of the quadrennial competition, judoka Yeldos Smetov clinched a gold medal, marking a historic achievement for the country. The first-ever medal for Kazakhstan in artistic gymnastics was earned by Nariman Kurbanov. Furthermore, the Paralympic team returned from Paris with a record nine medals, including two gold ones.
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