From April 13 to 17, AlmaU hosted the AlmaU Creative Forum 2026. The forum was an interdisciplinary platform that brought together students, experts, and representatives of the creative industry. It was dedicated to the 5th anniversary of the Media and Film School AlmaU and covered three key areas: practice, industry, and science.
As noted by the Dean of the Media and Film School AlmaU, Anara Sekeyeva, the forum was designed as a space that brings together students, young professionals, and industry experts, with a strong focus on practice-oriented learning and growth opportunities.
The first day Workshop Day focused on hands-on learning and current trends in media and the digital environment. The program included workshops and discussions with practitioners such as Artem Gantsev, Dimash Aubakirov, Thomas Toleukhan, as well as PR and digital specialists. Special attention was given to content creators, with TikTok-related cases presented by Asset Murzabaev, Assel Sabyrzhankyzy, and Aisha Baidildayeva. The day concluded with a discussion on artificial intelligence featuring Riz Yessentayev and Nick McFly.
The second day Industry Day was dedicated to the development of creative industries in Central Asia as an emerging regional hub. The discussions included representatives of Kazakhfilm named after Sh. Aimanov, Almaty Tourism Bureau, TOLQYN Film Fund, Aldongar Productions, and AlmaU experts. Topics included the growing international interest in the region, the role of media in shaping national image, and the impact of the creative economy on tourism and soft power.
A separate block focused on streaming platforms and content monetization, featuring Kinopoisk Central Asia, MEGOGO, Freedom Media, and Unico Play. In the Film & Media Education 3.0 session, Alexander Aksyutits, Kuanysh Beysek, Aizhan Ayanqyzy, and Anastasia Tarasova spoke about the integration of education and industry.
PR and digital strategies were also discussed with specialists from Yandex Qazaqstan and Air Astana. Among the speakers was Dasten Shakirov, who emphasized the importance of developing national content and promoting it internationally.
The third day Science Day was dedicated to the legacy of Serikbol Kondybay, the founder of Kazakh mythological studies. Within the “Serikboltanu” direction, speakers included Zira Naurzbayeva, Dilshat Rakhmatullin, Dauren Tasbolatov, Karlygash Mukasheva, and Galymzhan Sekeyev.
The discussions focused on how Kondybay’s ideas are used in animation, design, and film.
The program also included a film screening and a young researchers’ session, highlighting growing academic interest in “Serikboltanu” as an emerging interdisciplinary field.
Experts such as Khinayat Babakhumar and Asiya Baigozhina discussed ethnopsychology, cosmology, and cultural codes.
On the final day of the creative forum, the film “Aut”, produced with the support of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, was screened. The film addresses important social issues such as autism, acceptance, and the need for open public dialogue.
After the screening, a meeting was held with the film’s creator, Kanat Beisekeyev. The discussion focused on why it is important to talk about such topics in society and how perceptions of individuals and inclusion are shaped in contemporary culture.
The conversation became a space to reflect on empathy, support, and attentiveness to people whose stories often go unnoticed. Participants highlighted the importance of such initiatives in fostering a culture of understanding and a more caring attitude toward others.
AlmaU Creative Forum 2026 demonstrated itself as a sustainable platform where science, education, and creative industries come together to form new connections, ideas, and a modern understanding of Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage.