Kazakhstan: Almaty showcases Fresh Film Talent

    By Paul Bartlett
    Up-and-coming movie directors will be in the spotlight this week as Almaty hosts its ninth-annual international film festival, Shaken’s Stars.
    The event highlights the work of young filmmakers from Kazakhstan, Russia, India, Japan, Germany, Austria, England and a host of other countries. Some 55 films will be competing in three categories--Young Cinema, made by directors under 35, Student Cinema, and Debuts.
    The festival has become a regular spring event for Almaty's film buffs. Named after Shaken Aimanov, a leading light in Soviet-era Kazakh cinema, whose name also graces the 'Kazakhfilm' studios in Almaty, the event runs May 11-15 at the Silk Way City multiplex.
    This year there will be a special focus on new cinema from neighboring Kyrgyzstan. Eight films produced in the country in the past year will be featured in a separate showcase running alongside the main program, Eurasianet said.