The Times of Central Asia’s cinematographer for the World Nomad Games, Ilyas Otan, is on a mission to put Kazakhstan’s tourism on the map. An independent film producer and fixer, Otan took a bold step to showcase his vision, producing Segiz with director Almas Maksut, a captivating short documentary that brings together eight international travelers to uncover the secrets of a mysterious mountain lake in Central Asia. The film premiered at the 2021 Eurasian Film Festival and snagged the Best Documentary award at Czechia’s International Road Movie Festival. Now, it is available to stream.
A Werner Herzog quote opens the film, setting the tone for a brooding, atmospheric nod to late sixties and early seventies indie cinema. It’s not about the plot or commercial tourism — it’s all about ambiance, feelings, and the road less traveled. The narrator paints Kazakhstan as a land steeped in epic history, from Genghis Khan’s sweeping conquests to the first nuclear test. Then the adventurers are introduced, and lured by the wild unknown they share what drove them to wander off the beaten path.
A vivid taste of Kazakhstan’s rich culture and rugged beauty, this film dives headlong into an existence deeply connected to nature. Sampling the charms of nomadic life such as camel milk, majestic falcons, galloping horses, and cozying up in yurts. It’s a meat lover’s paradise — not exactly a menu for vegans, vegetarians, or the fainthearted.
The soundtrack amplifies the sixties’ folky vibe, layering guitars, ukuleles, kalimbas, lutes, shakers, drums, harmonicas, and flutes for immersive incidental music. Two of the travelers, both talented singers and musicians, perform 20th-century ballads on the move, transporting listeners to long-lost worlds and forgotten eras.
It’s rare to see a short documentary road movie about Kazakhstan hit streaming platforms. You can now catch this unique short film on TV+, Megogo and venture into the pioneer tourism of Kazakhstan today.
