FLOWERS OF THE STEPPE:
FESTIVAL OF KAZAKH CINEMA

November 14-20, 2012

Washington, DC & Boston

    A country of nomads for millenia, Kazakhstan today has a vibrant film culture. Since cinematic production began there in Soviet times, the Kazakh film industry has come a long way and this festival highlights some of its new voices. The films span an array of identities and storytelling modes in this country distinctive for the diversity and harmony of both its population and its landscape, and also for its positive and growing engagement with the world. Flowers of the Steppe presents recent titles that offer different visions of modern Kazakhstan and the traditions of its historic past.

   The festival is organized by the Ballets Russes Cultural Partnership. It is co-presented with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington and the Goethe Institut, Washington DC. With additional support from the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and KazakhFilm Studios.

   To read more about the films, please view the film synopses page
   Where necessary, tickets may be purchased/reserved via the venues, using links provided below

Overview by Venue

Letters to An Angel (Pisma k Angelu) (Opening Night). Nov. 14, 7:45 PM
Admission: $11 Regular; $9 members & seniors; $5 students, at Box Office
Discussion with director of Letters, Ermek Shinarbaev, and American independent film producer Michael Fitzgerald follows the screening.
Kelin Nov. 16, 7 PM, Admission $11/$9/$5.
Discussion with noted Kazakh film director Ermek Shinarbaev follows the screening.
The Dash (Ryvok) Nov. 17, 11 AM, Admission $8/$7/$5.
Letters to An Angel (Pisma k Angelu) Nov. 17, 1 PM, Admission $11/$9/$5.
Seker Nov. 18, 3:30 PM, Admission $11/$9/$5.

The Gift to Stalin (Podarok Stalinu) (Festival Preview). Nov 9, 8 PM, Free, RSVP requested.
Kelin Nov. 17, 7 PM, Admission $7/$4.
Discussion with Steven-Charles Jaffe, Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Los Angeles, and Ermek Shinarbaev, noted Kazakh film director, follows the screening.

Letters to An Angel (Pisma k Angelu) Nov. 18, 2 PM, Free, first-come basis.
Q&A with director, Ermek Shinarbaev & sound engineer, Gulsara Mukataeva, as well as Steven-Charles Jaffe, Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Los Angeles, immediately following the screening. Event concludes with light reception, including traditional Kazakh cuisine.

Akkyz (The White Girl) Nov. 20, 4 PM, Free
Followed by panel discussion with Ermek Shinarbaev, a noted Kazakh film director, Dr. Dastan Yeleukenov, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Kazakhstan, and Anna Winestein, Executive Director of the Ballets Russes Cultural Partnership

In addition to the participation and support of institutions including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, the Goethe Institut, Washington DC, the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Washington DC, and KazakhFilm Studios in Almaty, this festival would not be possible without the help and advice of numerous individuals. Our thanks go out, among others, to Nurzhan Aitmakhanov, Joe Dresen, Wilfried Eckstein, Michael Fitzgerald, Erlan Idrissov, Steven-Charles Jaffe, Olga Khlascheva, Kristen Lauerman, Carter Long, Gulsara Mukataeva, Rebecca Rice, Gulnara Sarsenova, Jeffrey Sexton, Ermek Shinarbaev, Tom Vick, Michael Wilpers