Segiz: Exploring Kazakhstan’s Beauty on the Road Less Traveled

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. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://timesca.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Trailer-SEGIZ.mp4"][/video]

Image of Kelin in Kazakh Films

In Kazakh culture, a special place is occupied by the traditional relationship between yene (mother-in-law) and kelin (daughter-in-law). This relationship is a reflection of family values and cultural norms that have developed over the centuries. In recent years, the theme of yene and kelin has been actively developed in Kazakh cinematography, where directors and screenwriters reveal the depth of these relationships, emphasizing their complexity and multifaceted nature. In a traditional Kazakh family, yene plays an important role. She not only passes on domestic and cultural traditions to the younger generation but also helps the kelin to adapt to the new family. In turn, the kelin is responsible for managing the household and caring for the family, which is perceived as an important and honorable part of her social role. However, this relationship, based on mutual respect and support, is often not without its difficulties. As in any culture, traditions are sometimes the cause of conflict and tension. These complexities, caused by societal expectations and personal ambitions, are reflected in Kazakhstan films, which increasingly focus on the role of the kelin in modern life. The cinematography of Kazakhstan has become a powerful tool for researching and discussing traditional family relations. One of the most popular films on this topic is the comedy film Kelinka Sabina. In this film, the main focus is on the difficulties a young kelin faces when she enters a traditional family. The movie not only demonstrates the clash of cultures but also shows how the characters learn to accept each other despite the differences in outlook and habits. Kelinka Sabina became a sensation in Kazakhstan, not only for its comedic scenes but also for its heartfelt and poignant moments that invite viewers to reflect on family values. The film explores the dynamics between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law while humorously addressing the integration of modernity and tradition, highlighting the challenges of adapting to new ways of life. Another landmark film on this subject is Daughter-in-law is Also Human, which takes a more serious and in-depth look at the issue of female self-identification in traditional society, touching on important topics such as gender stereotypes, prejudice against women, and their role in modern Kazakhstan. The main character has to face the fact that she is expected to fully commit to the traditional role of a kelin, but she strives to maintain her personal space and rights. Her story of self-assertion serves as an example of how young Kazakh women can fight for their rights and change established stereotypes and expectations set by generations. Another film in the same series, Kelinka is Also a Person 2, takes a significant step in addressing the role of women in Kazakh society by broadening perceptions of what it means to be a kelin in the modern world and opening up a discussion on gender roles and women's rights. The image of the kelin in Kazakh films epitomizes the complex and multifaceted aspects of Kazakh culture. The relationship between yene and kelin extends beyond a simple...