Special Screening at Alliance Française Astana: Two Animated Gems by Zhanna Bekmambetova

We are thrilled to announce a special screening at Alliance Française Astana featuring two exceptional animated films by director Zhanna Bekmambetova, presented as part of our “Movies Around the World” program on July 30th.

Thanks to our partners Alliance Française In Astana and Festagent, who made this screening possible on short notice, audiences in Astana will have the unique opportunity to discover these remarkable works with french subtitle.

SON (2025) – Official Competition Selection

SON, Zhanna Bekmambetova’s latest creation, has been selected for the official competition of our 15th Festival du Film Merveilleux, taking place September 18-20. This 20-minute animated short film, co-produced between Kazakhstan and Russia, delivers a deeply moving story that touches the heart.

The story follows a boy confined to a wheelchair and his father, living in a small house on the edge of the steppe. While the father approaches despair as his son struggles with basic tasks like holding a spoon to eat his porridge, everything changes when the television broadcasts the landing of the newest robot on Mars. This touching tale is dedicated to all parents who never give up, carrying a universal message of hope and perseverance.

Technical Details: Director and Producer: Zhanna Bekmambetova, Producer: Timur Asadov, Cast: Adylbek Atykhaev, Studio: Bazelevs, Duration: 20 minutes, Countries: Kazakhstan, Russia

TWEET TWEET (2018) – Best Animation Winner

TWEET TWEET distinguished itself by winning the Best Animation award at Festival du Film Merveilleux 2028. This poetic 11 minute work takes us into a striking visual metaphor about life’s balance.

“Our whole life is like walking a tightrope,” the director explains. The film delicately explores moments of pain when we lose our balance, but also those instances of happiness when we easily slide across the rope and can even fly.

The main characters, Lyuba, a young girl, and her faithful companion Sparrow, offer us a touching life lesson. The brave Sparrow, who knows no fear, allows Lyuba to forget that she is walking on a rope whenever she plays with him.

Please rewatch Tweet Tweet here :

Technical Details: Director: Zhanna Bekmambetova, Studios: CGF LLC and Bazelevs, Duration: 7 minutes, Rating: 12+. Country: Russia

Director Portrait: Zhanna Bekmambetova

Zhanna Bekmambetova embodies the journey of an international artist. Born in Uzbekistan, she moved to Moscow at age 6 with her parents. In 2009, she graduated from the prestigious VGIK (University of Cinematography) with a specialization in concept design for animation movies.

Her journey then took her to Los Angeles, where she lived and studied from 2010 to 2013, enriching her artistic vision with international influences. Since 2013, she has established her creative base in Moscow, from where she develops projects that touch global audiences through their emotional universality.

A Partnership Success Story

This special screening exemplifies the collaborative spirit of Festival du Film Merveilleux. Our partnership with Alliance Française Astana has been instrumental in bringing international cinema to diverse audiences, while Festagent‘s expertise and quick coordination made this last-minute screening possible.

Our “Movies Around the World” program continues to fulfill our mission of showcasing exceptional cinema that transcends geographical and linguistic boundaries. Bekmambetova’s films, with their sensitivity and poetic approach to human challenges, speak to universal experiences and promise an unforgettable cinematic evening.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for our 15th Festival du Film Merveilleux (September 18-20), SON will compete alongside other outstanding films in our official selection. Meanwhile, TWEET TWEET‘s recognition as our Best Animation winner continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Alliance Française d’Astana and Festagent for making this special screening possible, demonstrating that great cinema can reach audiences anywhere when passionate partners come together.

Stay tuned for more updates on our festival programming and special events around the world.