A new documentary, ALTAÏ, by acclaimed writer Cédric Gras and director Bertrand Delapierre, is set to bring global attention to the fragile ecosystems of Central Asia and the critical water issues tied to its majestic Altai Mountains. Slated for release on Ushuaïa TV in 2026, the documentary promises an in-depth exploration of the vital role these mountains play in sustaining life across the arid steppes of Kazakhstan, while addressing ecological challenges, geopolitical tensions, and the impact of climate change.
A Journey Through Kazakhstan’s Heart
Image: TCA, Ilyas Otan
The documentary follows the film crew’s expedition through Kazakhstan’s varied landscapes, beginning in its modern capital, Astana, and culminating in an ascent of Mount Belukha, the tallest peak in the Altai range. Along the way, the team will investigate how Kazakhstan is grappling with increasing water scarcity while striving to balance modernization with environmental conservation.
Central to the film’s narrative is the Irtysh River, born from the Altai glaciers, which flows through Russia, China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan. This river has long delivered life-sustaining water to Kazakhstan’s steppes, irrigating farmlands and powering industries. Yet, as the documentary reveals, upstream diversions and glacial retreat now threaten the river’s future.
Central Asia’s Water Crisis
Image: TCA, Ilyas Otan
With Central Asia among the regions most threatened by water shortages, ALTAÏ examines the severe consequences of dwindling resources. Astana, once a Soviet outpost named Tselinograd, has been transformed into a futuristic capital fueled by the nation’s oil and gas wealth. However, this rapid expansion has brought a pressing water deficit. The Ishim River, which runs through the city, can no longer suffice, prompting the construction of the new Astana-Irtysh canal to draw water from the distant Altai region.
The documentary highlights alarming findings from hydrologists about the ecological and political pressures weighing on water management in the region. Viewers will see the extensive canal network left by the Soviet Union, such as the Irtysh-Karaganda Canal, and the vital role it continues to play in supporting industrial cities, agriculture, and the survival of the steppes.
Exploring the Altai Mountains
Image: TCA, Ilyas Otan
At the heart of the documentary will be an expedition into the Altai Mountains, a remote massif spanning Kazakhstan, China, and Russia. The mountain range is revered as the “water tower” of the region, yet its glaciers are melting at an alarming rate due to climate change. Guided by Kazakh mountaineers, the crew will travel across high valleys and visit traditional nomadic settlements that depend on the rivers fed by these glaciers.
Finally, the team will ascend Mount Belukha, the Altai’s highest peak, to examine the glacial sources of the Irtysh River, capturing breathtaking footage of this territory where the borders of Kazakhstan, China, and Russia converge. Along the way, they will discuss with locals and scientists the geopolitical tensions over water resources, as Chinese development upstream increasingly diverts flow from the Irtysh to fuel its arid regions.
Environmental and Geopolitical Themes
Image: TCA, Ilyas Otan
ALTAÏ ties the environmental struggles of Kazakhstan’s steppe to the broader geopolitical struggles of the region, underscoring the urgent need for water conservation amid rising demand and shrinking supply. It will also showcase the resilience of Kazakhstan’s people, from nomadic herders who preserve ancient traditions to engineers constructing new infrastructure to sustain growing urban centers.
Through the documentary, the filmmakers aim to inspire action and awareness about the delicate balance between human activity and nature. Beyond its focus on water issues, the film celebrates Kazakhstan’s rich biodiversity, exploring its lush summer pastures, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
Vision and Release
ALTAÏ is set to be produced by Lucien TV. The Times of Central Asia’s Ilyas Otan will serve as the production coordinator, ensuring local expertise to enhance the film’s authenticity.
Set to air on Ushuaïa TV, the French channel dedicated to environmental documentaries, ALTAÏ will debut in 2026, offering a rare opportunity for global audiences to glimpse the challenges and triumphs of a region striving to adapt to a rapidly changing world. Through its narrative of endurance, innovation, and the natural wonders of the Altai Mountains, ALTAÏ will aim to capture the profound interconnectedness between water, people, and the environment, inspiring a deeper understanding of Central Asia’s pivotal role in the global water cycle.
