ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s film industry is strengthening its international presence as local filmmakers expand cooperation abroad while the country attracts major international productions. Two projects this summer highlight both sides of this trend: the Kazakh feature “Jamilya in Paris” is being filmed in the French capital, while Jackie Chan’s “Armour of God: Ultimatum” is bringing an international film crew to Kazakhstan.
Photo credit: Angela Polonskiy.
Filming of “Jamilya in Paris” began in Paris on Aug. 19. The project is being produced by Kazakhstan’s Tiger Films with the support of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in France and the Embassy of France in Kazakhstan. The production brings together film professionals from Kazakhstan and France, with Kazakh, French and English spoken on set.
The film stars Kazakh actors Zhasulan Kopbergen, Aruzhan Timur. Photo credit:Konopark
The film stars Kazakh actors Zhasulan Kopbergen, Aruzhan Timur and Azamat Satybaldy. The project is a dramedy that combines a Kazakh story with the atmosphere of Paris and universal themes. Its premiere is scheduled for spring 2027, with the creators expecting the film to appeal to audiences in both Kazakhstan and France.
The project is notable because it marks the first time a Kazakh feature-length film is being shot directly in Paris. According to Erlan Bukharbayev, a film partner and representative of Kinopark Theaters, the international composition of the crew is one of the project’s distinctive features, while Paris itself becomes an important part of the story.
The production reflects a broader effort to expand Kazakhstan’s cinematic cooperation beyond its domestic market. International projects can give local filmmakers access to new professional networks and production experience while allowing Kazakh stories and talent to reach foreign audiences.
At the same time, Kazakhstan is increasingly attracting international filmmakers with its diverse landscapes.
In July, international film star Jackie Chan arrived in Kazakhstan for the production of “Armour of God: Ultimatum,” the latest installment in the action-adventure franchise. The official launch ceremony took place in Almaty on July 9, while principal photography in Kazakhstan is scheduled across Almaty, the Almaty Region and the Mangystau Region through October 2026. The film is directed by Kazakh filmmaker Robert Kun and is intended for international theatrical release.
Production officially began in Mangystau on July 18, with the Bozzhyra tract selected as one of the principal shooting locations. The distinctive limestone cliffs and desert landscapes of the region are expected to feature prominently in the film, giving international audiences an opportunity to see Kazakhstan’s natural scenery on screen.
“Armour of God: Ultimatum” is being produced by Kazakhstan’s Sälem Entertainment in partnership with Hong Kong-based Billion Target, with support from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information and China’s state-owned China Film Group Corporation.
Kazakhstan’s film industry is strengthening its international presence as local filmmakers expand cooperation abroad while the country attracts major international productions. . Photo credit:Konopark
The project also represents an opportunity for Kazakhstan’s creative industry to work alongside an international production team. Officials have said that the filming could contribute to the development of film tourism, strengthen international cooperation in the creative industries and promote Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage and tourism potential abroad.
The Jackie Chan production is part of a broader increase in Kazakhstan’s international cinematic activity. In August, “Mūğalım” (Teacher), the feature debut of Kazakh director Ayana Nurdinova, was selected for the New Directors competition at the 74th San Sebastián International Film Festival in Spain. It became the first Kazakh film directed by a woman to compete in that section.
Kazakhstan is also developing new forms of international cooperation in filmmaking. In July, China became an official partner of the Astana AI Film Festival, with the partnership covering AI filmmaking, AI-generated content, science-fiction production, investment and international distribution.
Taken together, these projects show Kazakhstan becoming involved in international cinema in two directions. Kazakh filmmakers are increasingly taking their stories and productions abroad, while Kazakhstan itself is becoming a location for international filmmakers and globally recognized actors.
With “Jamilya in Paris” bringing a Kazakh story to the streets of the French capital and “Armour of God: Ultimatum” showcasing Mangystau and other Kazakh locations to international audiences, the country’s role in global cinema is expanding both as a producer of stories and as a filming destination.
