Screening of Cartoons in collaboration with Kazakhfilm

The screening is free with a museum entry ticket.

This month we invite you to immerse yourself once again in the world of Kazakhstani animation with a programme curated by film scholar Assiya Baqdauletkyzy. This programme reveals the thematic range of Kazakhstani animation – from the search for national roots through mythology and engagement with traditional Kazakh worldviews, to the reimagining of masculinity and femininity, social critique, and the search for harmony in the world. Conversing with viewers in the language of childhood, these short films resonate with adult audiences as well.

Timur and the Dragon (2014), 11 mins, dir. Ramil Usmanov, Yulia Thai

In this episode of the animated series about the restless boy Timur, the main character dreams of defeating a dragon and becoming a celebrated batyr (hero). However, he must reject imposed notions of masculinity and realise that true bravery lies not in displaying strength, but in protecting those who are weaker.

Five Skins of Yarn (2012), 10 mins, dir. Kuat Konyrkulzhaev, Ramil Usmanov, Yulia Thai

Bibigul, who is in the habit of embellishing the truth, one day assures the khan that she is capable of weaving a magnificent carpet. But her rash boast turns into a trial that threatens not only her skill, but her very fate.

The First Celestial Turk (2023), 8 mins, dir. Dilshat Rаkhmatullin

In this film, the myth of the Kok-Turks’ origins is brought to life through the expressive language of animation. A gripping plot, profound content and striking visuals combine to create a cohesive and impressive work.

Tastulek (2014), 23 mins, dir. Turdybek Maidan, Tlek Toleugazy

The film is based on folk legends and tales that remind us that humans should not seek to subjugate nature, but rather strive for harmony with it. The film’s artistic world is filled with meticulously crafted details of traditional Kazakh life, through which the philosophy embedded in the depths of the national culture is revealed in a subtle and compelling manner.

Undeme (2022) 8 mins, dir. Meirzhan Tolepbay

This dystopian film plunges the viewer into a bleak world populated by people who resemble the hollow figures from Bruno Catalano’s works. With its political undertones, the film serves as a reminder that, however impenetrable the darkness may seem, the inner light within a person is capable of breaking through it.

What a Joy When Babies Don’t Cry! (2022), 10 mins, dir. Marzhan Zhubanysh

Marzhan Zhubanysh’s film unfolds within her distinctive artistic world: ethereal, multi-layered and brimming with vibrant colours. The striking visual style helps to convey not only the secret dreams of a couple expecting a child, but also the place of patron saints and sacred beliefs in traditional Kazakh culture.

Shanyraq (2025), 4 mins, dir. Madina Tazhmagambetova

This film explores questions of the cosmos and the national worldview, reflecting on harmony as the foundation of the world’s order. Through imagery embodied in traditional Kazakh ornamentation, it explores the idea of balance between the hard and the soft, strength and flexibility. The film’s philosophical content finds expressive artistic expression in its visual language.

Why Does a Swallow Have a Forked Tail? (1967), 10 mins, dir. Amen Kaidarov

This film marked the beginning of Kazakh animation. Based on a Kazakh folk legend, it explores the mythological conflict between good and evil. Here, the swallow appears as a sacred figure protecting humanity; the infant symbolises the continuation of life, whilst the mother and the maternal principle become the primary force saving the world. The figure of the dragon, personifying the forces of evil, also deserves special attention, as does its significance in the ancient Kazakh worldview.

The White Goose (2010), 10 mins, dir. Turdybek Maidan

In this film, the motifs of the feminine principle and the search for a bride - which date back to ancient Kazakh mythology - are explored through the imagery of the goose, the snake, water, the dragon and the saukele. The feminine principle is embodied by the White Goose, which successively takes the form of a bird, a maiden and a snake, acting as a mysterious force that unites water and sky. The dragon embodies the hostile principle, whilst the hunter, the sun, the sword and fire are presented as symbols of the masculine principle.

The Golden Knucklebone (2012), 11 mins, dir. Kayyrgali Kasymov

The film, based on the fairy tale ‘The Golden Apple’, draws on archaic mythological motifs. The protagonist’s encounter with Zhalmauyz-kempir and his rescue are linked to themes of confrontation with otherworldly forces, crossing the boundary between life and death, coming of age and spiritual development.

Suyn (2022), 8 mins, dir. Abdolla Shahaydarov

This film explores the ancient Kazakh cosmological system, which unites plants and animals, the sky and the sea, humankind and nature into a single whole. The Suuny are mythical sea horses that bring people prosperity and abundance. The journey of the batyr Yeltai, who seeks to return them to the shores of the Caspian Sea with the help of maternal forces, reveals numerous layers of ancient Kazakh mythology.

The Will (2022), 6 mins, dir. Yerbol Boranshi, Talas Orazbay

This film, with its open ending, seamlessly blends a mythological worldview with patriotic message. The motif of the batyr saving a fledgling from a snake and engaging in battle with the ruler of the underworld brings together several ancient mythological and folkloric narratives.

The Mermaid (2025), 6 mins, dir. Renata Mirgalieva, Linara Mirgalieva

In this film, the image of the mermaid reinterprets an ancient mythological framework through the lens of environmental issues. Water is portrayed as a living, sacred and free element, and the mermaid as its guardian. This short film can be seen as an example of eco-animation, combining mythology, environmental awareness and reflections on humanity’s responsibility towards nature.