Adilkhan Yerzhanov

Hailing from the vast steppes of Kazakhstan, director Adilkhan Yerzhanov was born in 1982 in the city of Djezkazgan. A prominent figure in the Kazakh New Wave cinema since his active years from 2000 onward, Yerzhanov has masterfully explored the genres of drama, crime, and dark comedy, with his most notable works including "The Owners" and "A Dark, Dark Man", both of which have garnered international acclaim and awards. His authorial style is marked by a distinct use of surrealism, stark visual storytelling, and profound social commentary, often against the backdrop of post-soviet Kazakhstan.

Adilkhan Yerzhanov, with his relentless pursuit of cinematic authenticity and his singular voice in the panorama of international cinema, proves that even the most remote corners of the world can produce world-class storytellers.