Directing
Aktan Arym Kubat
Aktan Arym Kubat, born on March 26, 1957, in Sokuluk District, Kyrgyzstan, is a distinguished director, screenwriter, and actor known for his impactful contributions to cinema. He is also recognized by his alternate name, Aktan Abdykalykov. As a prominent figure in the film industry, he holds membership in the National Film Academy of Kyrgyzstan, the European Film Academy, and the Asia Pacific Screen Academy.
Kubat gained international acclaim with his film "Beshkempir" (The Adopted Son), released in 1998, which was later listed among the top 100 Asian films of all time by the Busan International Film Festival in 2016. His notable works also include "Maimyl" (The Chimp, 2001), "The Light Thief" (2010), and "Centaur" (2017), each showcasing his unique storytelling style.
Throughout his career, Kubat has been the recipient of numerous prestigious accolades, including the Silver Leopard at the Locarno Film Festival and the Bronze Lion at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. He has also earned FIPRESCI Prizes from the International Federation of Film Critics. His films have been featured in prominent sections such as Un Certain Regard and La Quinzaine des Réalisateurs at the Cannes Film Festival, as well as the Panorama section at the Berlin International Film Festival, further establishing his status as a leading figure in contemporary cinema.
