Kazakh Cinema Days in Banská Bystrica: A Cultural Bridge of Friendship within the Celebration of Nauryz

Banská Bystrica, March 21–22, 2025 – The Kazakh Cinema Days took place in the city of Banská Bystrica, organized by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Slovakia with the support of the “Kazakhfilm” Studio and the city administration of Banská Bystrica.

The event was part of the program dedicated to the celebration of Nauryz, a spring festival symbolizing renewal, unity, and peace.

Over two days, the Slovak audience had the opportunity to watch renowned works of Kazakh cinema, including the films “Tomyris,” “Kazakh Khanate: The Diamond Sword,” and “Shal.” Among the guests of the film screenings were representatives of the city administration, cultural and academic circles, business communities, the general public, as well as the Kazakh diaspora and student youth.

Speaking at the grand opening of the Cinema Days, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Slovakia, Zhanna Saginova, emphasized that “these films show Kazakhstan as a country where the past and present merge into a unified whole, forming a unique national identity... Despite differences in history and culture, there are universal values that unite the Kazakh and Slovak peoples. These include respect for the past, love for one’s homeland, a striving for peace and harmony, and faith in the strength of family and traditions. These principles form the foundation of both Kazakh and Slovak mentalities, making our nations so close and understandable to each other.”

At the Museum of the Slovak National Uprising, where the screenings took place, reproductions of works by renowned sculptor and artist Reshat Kozhakhmetov were exhibited. These artworks reflected the diverse palette of contemporary Kazakh art and attracted significant public attention.

The Ambassador met with the Mayor of Banská Bystrica, Ján Nosko, to discuss opportunities for bilateral cooperation, including the possibility of establishing interregional partnerships and twinning relations with a city in Kazakhstan.

Ambassador Saginova congratulated the mayor on Banská Bystrica’s upcoming 770th anniversary and the 80th anniversary of the city’s liberation from fascist occupation in 2025. The diplomat noted that soldiers of the Soviet Army, including Kazakh natives, fought heroically for the liberation of Czechoslovakia and made a significant contribution to supporting the Slovak National Uprising of 1944. It was emphasized that the Embassy of Kazakhstan is actively working on locating and identifying Kazakh soldiers buried in Slovakia and hopes for continued cooperation with the city administration on this matter.

On the same day, a roundtable discussion was held at the Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry with the participation of Slovak business representatives. Ambassador Saginova introduced the current economic situation in Kazakhstan, outlined promising directions for the country’s economic development, and presented investment opportunities for foreign investors.

The leadership of the regional chamber expressed their readiness to support the development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, noting the great potential of the Kazakh market and the interest of Slovak businesses in expanding economic ties with Kazakhstan.

During the B2G session, the Ambassador and business representatives discussed ways to enhance direct contacts between the business communities of both countries, including the organization of business forums and exchange visits.

A traditional meeting between diplomats and young Kazakh students studying at local universities was held at the Honorary Consulate of Kazakhstan in Banská Bystrica. The students were informed about the activities of the Honorary Consulate in protecting the rights of Kazakh citizens temporarily residing and studying in the Banská Bystrica region, as well as their adaptation and integration into Slovak universities. Diplomats answered students’ questions and expressed their willingness to provide necessary assistance during their stay in Slovakia.

Overall, the Kazakh Cinema Days became a bright event in the cultural life of Banská Bystrica and an important step in further promoting the unique culture of Kazakhstan abroad.