Our People > Ilyas Otan

Ilyas Otan

Journalist and Videographer

Ilyas Otan is a photographer, filmmaker, documentarian, producer and tour operator based in Kazakhstan. He has won several awards at documentary film festivals, and received grants for his documentary film productions.

Articles

Video: “Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future,” – Astana International Forum 2025

The Astana International Forum 2025 aims to address global challenges, foster international cooperation, and strengthen Kazakhstan's role as a bridge between regions and powers. The Times of Central Asia is in attendance, bringing you all the latest developments. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_5189-1.mp4"][/video] Follow our special coverage on the Astana International Forum here.

2 weeks ago

Water New Kazakhstan Gender Equality Shymkent Heating

Video: Meet Marziya Aitzhanova, the Woman Helping To Bring Purified Water to Shymkent

The Times of Central Asia spoke to Marziya Aitzhanova, who is helping to bring purified water to Shymkent as part of the growing number of women in management positions in New Kazakhstan. “We purify two kinds of water,” she told TCA, “one desalinated and the other chemically purified. The first goes to the boiler and turbine, and the second goes to the city for heating.” [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Конкурс-2-ролик-1.mp4"][/video]

1 month ago

STEM Higher Education Healthcare

Video: From Hardship to Accomplishment – Meet the Kazakh Woman Supporting Female STEM Students

Kalmakhanova Marzhan Seitkyzy is a young professor in Kazakhstan supporting female students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), offering guidance and helping them navigate the realities of research work. Watch her story: [video width="3840" height="2160" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Конкурс-2.mp4"][/video]

2 months ago

Video: Challenging Gender Stereotypes in Modern Kazakhstan

From factory workers to female boxing champions and long-distance lorry drivers, The Times of Central Asia explores the growing challenges to long-held gender stereotypes in modern Kazakhstan, as women feel more emboldened than ever to follow their dreams. [embed]https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/%D0%93%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B4%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B5%20%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BF%D1%8B.mp4[/embed] This video was made by UNFPA Kazakhstan with the financial support of the UK Government. All views expressed in the video do not reflect the official position of UNFPA or the UK Government.

2 months ago

Video Highlights: World Nomad Games Day Six

On the final day of the World Nomad Games, themed as the “Gathering of the Great Steppe,” TCA took in the Tenge Ilu and the Baige, with a focus on the Kusbegilik (hunting with birds). It's been a blast! Stick with us and let's Go Nomad again in 2026. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/nomad-game_2.mp4"][/video]

9 months ago