About the Contest
Imagine a country where your boldest dream can come true. Qazaq Dream is a national competition that brings these visions together. We don't teach you how to dream "correctly" — we create a safe space where every voice matters. By uniting personal hopes, we collectively shape the image of Kazakhstan where we want to live, grow, and create.
Qazaq Dream does not impose a dream — it allows one to be born. From thousands of personal "tomorrows", a single shared future of Kazakhstan emerges.
The key question of the competition:
"What kind of Kazakhstan will make your dream a reality?"
Your dream is the heart of Kazakhstan's future.
Join us. Make it part of our shared reality.
Contest President Ermek Tursunov
The national creative competition Qazaq Dream is headed by the renowned Kazakh film director, playwright, writer, publicist, and Honored Figure of the Republic of Kazakhstan Ermek Tursunov.
Officially recognized by the Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) as one of the five best directors in Asia. The only filmmaker from Kazakhstan to be submitted to the Oscars three times and to reach the shortlist of the American Academy. Twice nominated for the Asian Oscar (Brisbane, Australia). International experts regard him as a brand of modern Asian cinema.
Winner of more than twenty awards at international festivals traditionally held in Italy, Greece, France, Monaco, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Turkey, Iran, Israel, Hong Kong, South Korea, China, and elsewhere. Tursunov's films have been featured in competition programs at festivals in Tokyo, Shanghai, Toronto (Canada), Monaco Charity Film Festival, Taormina (Italy), Reykjavik (Iceland), Haifa (Israel), Busan (Korea), Bursa (Turkey), Palm Springs (USA), Copenhagen (Denmark), Freistadt (Austria), Ankara (Turkey), and more.
Known as a writer and translator. He has published a collected works edition in 15 volumes. Author of books including Prelude, Tamga, Kurak korpe, Life's Little Things, Once Upon a Time, Mustafa Shokay, Seven May Days, One-Way Ticket, Karashanyrak, Brick, Mamluk, Purple Horse, The Language of Aesop, and others.
Competition Concept
The philosophy of «Qazaq Dream» / «Kazakhstan's Dream» is a creative manifesto of a new generation, born from a deep belief in the power of the individual. This is not a story about outward brilliance, instant wealth, or blindly copying the ideals of others. Our dream is rooted in the boundless expanse of the great steppe, where depth of thought, strength of spirit, and the freedom of inner choice have long been cherished.
The Kazakhstani Dream is a quiet but firm conviction that the scale of human talent, sincere perseverance, and loyalty to one's guiding star mean far more than any unfavorable external conditions, social barriers, or lack of starting capital. It is the sacred right of every person — whether a resident of a distant village, a forgotten single-industry town, or a bustling metropolis — to step into the light and say to the world: «My voice is unique. I feel this world differently. And I am capable of building the future of my land.»
Philosophy
Principle
Space for Self-Expression
Cinematography
Literature and Journalism
Principle of Determining Winners
Dual Evaluation System
Public Choice
Formats & Prizes
CINEMATOGRAPHY
Requirements: Requirements: No more than 3 minutes. Format: short films, video clips. Types and genres: fictional, documentary films. No genre restrictions.
Grand Prix: 3,000,000 ₸
LITERATURE AND JOURNALISM
Requirements: Requirements: No more than 3 A4 pages, Times New Roman, font size 12
Grand Prix: 3,000,000 ₸
Stages
- 01
Applications open
June 15, 2026
- 02
Applications close
Oktober 25, 2026
- 03
Jury selection of entries
October 26 – November 8, 2026
- 04
Public voting for finalists selected by the jury
November 9–29, 2026
- 05
Awards ceremony
December 3, 2026
Jury
Rashid Nugmanov
Cult film director, screenwriter and producer (the films The Needle and The Wild East). A key figure of the Kazakh New Wave and president of the National Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of Kazakhstan.
Anastasia Tarasova
Managing director, actress and teacher of theatrical management on the acting and directing course at the ARTiSHOK theatre. Awarded the Excellence in Culture badge by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Adai Abeldinov
Kazakhstani director, producer, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and public figure. Laureate of the state Daryn Prize. Since 2024, chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of Kazakhstan.
Karlygash Yezhenova
Editor-in-chief of exclusive.kz, an independent analytical publication on the market for more than 20 years. Laureate of two prizes of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and author of the books Witnesses and Dynamics of Socio-Political Processes in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Aida Alzhanova
Expert in corporate governance, gender policy and women's rights. Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Transparency International Kazakhstan public foundation. She has extensive management experience and a practice of working with international institutions, including the lessons and standards of the UN.
The jury of the competition consists of recognized professionals who have been shaping the cultural code of Kazakhstan for decades.
Directors whose films are known across the country.
Actors whose roles have become part of the national culture.
A journalist whose word carries weight.
A public figure whose stance shapes the agenda.
A jury score is more than points. It is recognition at the level of "approved by professionals".
Competition works gallery
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Organizer
Kazakhstan Growth Forum is the leading platform for:
- building and strengthening partnerships;
- bringing together opinion leaders and business experts;
- developing innovation and fostering a favorable investment climate;
- jointly addressing strategic challenges.
Kazakhstan Growth Forum is a collaboration platform aimed at setting high standards in business, supporting a socially active society, developing the culture of philanthropy, and strengthening international relations.
