Kazakh film project selected for Biennale College Cinema for first time

For the first time, a full-length film project by Kazakh director Eldar Shibanov and producer Yuliya Levitskaya ‘Mountain Onion' was selected for the 10th edition of Biennale College Cinema. A film laboratory was organized by the Venice Biennale with the support of the Italian Ministry of Culture. The main goal is to promote new talents in cinema. The film by the Kazakh filmmaker tells the story of the growing up of 11-year-old Jabai. Shibanov was among the four finalists along with representatives from Italy, Iran and Finland. The teams have already participated in the first of two workshops in Venice. They will be attending the second seminar already in January, which will mark the start of production of feature films with a grant from the Biennale. Upon completion, the films will be presented at the 79th Venice Film Festival.

“One of the main criteria is to make the film on time and within the agreed budget. It should probably be an independent production, because it’s a low-budget, a micro-budget movie. Of course, participation in the Biennale College gives an expert assessment of my project, an opportunity to implement it and premiere the film at some international ‘A’ list festival. There are also cool workshops with professionals and an interesting acquaintance with authors from across the world and with their projects. And what is very important for me is that I can receive various feedback on my project, on my story, during these workshops,” the film director said.

Translation by Assem Zhanmukhanova

Editing by Saule Mukhamejanova