The Kazakhstani film Kazhimukan, produced with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the State Center for Support of National Cinema, achieved a triumphant success at the 29th International IPAAF – Apoxiomeno Film Festival in Italy.

The film received all major awards of the festival: Best Film, Best Actor (Yerbol Tolepbergen), Best Director (Kanagat Mustafin), and Best Screenplay (Kanagat Mustafin, Zhanat Kasabekov).

Director Kanagat Mustafin began working on the script for this historical film back in 2012. Filming commenced in 2020 and was preceded by over a decade of in-depth research. As a result, the film was released in theaters and premiered on the big screen last year.

Kazhimukan tells the story of an extraordinary figure — Kazhymukan Munaitpasov, the first Kazakh to become a world champion in French wrestling. He achieved international recognition by winning numerous global, Russian, regional, and Soviet championships in the super heavyweight category of Greco-Roman wrestling. Over the course of his career, he won nearly fifty medals and awards, becoming a symbol of strength, courage, and national pride.

The IPAAF – Apoxiomeno Festival has a history spanning nearly three decades. This prestigious international film festival in Italy annually honors outstanding achievements in cinema, the arts, and culture. Particular emphasis is placed on works that address important social themes and those that possess high artistic merit and contribute meaningfully to cultural development. Over the years, the festival has recognized many distinguished figures in film and the arts from around the world.

 

Press Service of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan