Journalist Gulbanu Abenova expressed her opinion on her social media page about films that portray the Kazakh people in a negative light for the sake of participating in international film festivals, as reported by the Todayinfo.kz news agency.
"The only way to introduce Kazakhs to the world is not by depicting them as a drunken, ignorant, weak, and submissive people. Lately, when you watch some films made for festivals, it gives the impression that Kazakhs are just herders of sheep, addicted to alcohol, and a people with no language other than fists. And if such a work wins an award abroad, we rejoice, saying 'the world has recognized us.' But the choice of a few jury members is not the opinion of the entire world," she wrote.
Furthermore, the journalist stated that such an approach is not a sign of art, but of injustice against the nation.
"Humiliating your own people, showing only their most painful and bleak aspects, and then justifying it as 'art' is nothing to be proud of. The life of Kazakhs does not consist solely of barns, livestock, vodka, and shouting. We have scientists advancing science, doctors and teachers serving the country, entrepreneurs, engineers, world-class athletes, and artists. Kazakhs have both spirit and honor," said Gulbanu Abenova.
In her opinion, the attention of some directors is drawn not to the resilience of Kazakhs, but more to their sorrow and poverty. This is because such topics are in demand at international festivals.
In conclusion, the journalist emphasized that the duty of art is to show the truth, but the truth should not be limited only to the lowest and most painful aspects of the people.
"Portraying your own nation as miserable for the sake of foreign acclaim is not a cultural achievement. It is akin to cutting down your own roots with an axe. Art must tell the truth, but the truth is not just showing the dirtiest layer of the people. Constantly depicting Kazakhs in a humiliated and helpless image is not objectivity, but bias. National honor is far more valuable than any festival diploma," she concluded.
