Kazakhstan Cinema Showcases Two Feature Films at SXSW London 2026
The Story
Kazakhstan’s film industry is being highlighted at the 2026 SXSW London Screen Festival with two feature films and a short from the Central Asian country, according to Anna Bogutskaya, head of screen at the festival. The films include Zhannat Alshanova’s debut “Becoming” and Aitore Zholdaskali’s thriller “Sicko,” both making their U.K. premieres at the event. Bogutskaya noted that the region’s cinema is “just exploding” and that the festival is watching that part of the world closely.
Key Facts
- SXSW London 2026 is featuring two feature films and one short film from Kazakhstan.
- The features are “Becoming” (debut by Zhannat Alshanova) about a teenage swimmer, and “Sicko” (first solo feature by Aitore Zholdaskali) about a couple faking cancer for profit.
- Both features have their U.K. premieres at SXSW London.
- The short film is “My Brother Lyosha and I” by Lena Tronina, set in the 1990s about siblings enduring home violence.
- Anna Bogutskaya, head of screen at SXSW London, stated that Kazakhstan’s film scene is “exploding” and noted last year’s festival also included a film from Kazakhstan and one from neighboring Kyrgyzstan.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Anna Bogutskaya – head of screen at SXSW London
- Zhannat Alshanova – director of “Becoming” (debut feature)
- Tamiris Zhangazinova – actress portraying Mila in “Becoming”
- Aitore Zholdaskali – director of “Sicko” (first solo feature)
- Ayan Utepbergen – actor in “Sicko”
- Dilnaz Kurmangali – actress in “Sicko”
- Lena Tronina – director of short film “My Brother Lyosha and I”
- Adilkhan Yerzhanov – director of last year’s featured film “Cadet”
- Dastan Zhapar Ryskeld – director of “Deal at the Border” from Kyrgyzstan
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter
