Last September, the serene landscapes of Burabay National Park in Kazakhstan became a hub of artistic expression as the thirteenth Open Eurasian Literary Festival & Book Forum and the fourth international festival Voices of Friends: Poetry & Art unfolded from the 15th to the 18th September. These remarkable events brought together poetry, visual arts, cinema, and literary discourse, uniting creators from across the globe.

Organized by the British non-profit Eurasian Creative Guild (London), with support from the Higher Pedagogical College of Shchuchinsk and key hospitality partners, the festival served as an extraordinary cultural exchange platform. Among its highlights were the 13th Open Eurasian Literary Festival and Book Forum, the III Burabay International Short Film Festival (BISFF), the debut of the Future Cinema Youth Film Festival, and the Discovery Travel Forum, dedicated to exploring the intersection of tourism and creative industries.

A GATHERING OF GLOBAL TALENT

This year’s festival welcomed over 50 poets, novelists, artists, musicians, and filmmakers from 15 countries, including Kazakhstan, the UK, the USA, Ukraine, Israel, and Canada. The program commenced at the Skala eco-hotel in Burabai village with an introductory meeting, offering guests a glimpse into the festival’s diverse itinerary.

The official launch took place on September 15th at the Higher Pedagogical College in Shchuchinsk, where the Future Cinema youth film screenings showcased an eclectic mix of international works. Films from the USA, Iran, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Israel, and Russia captivated audiences, setting the stage for an inspiring four days of artistic exploration.

A key moment of the day was the presentation of Burabay’s creative community by Yussuf Krykbesov and Elena Tsygvintseva, reinforcing the region’s commitment to fostering artistic growth. Meanwhile, parallel sessions immersed attendees in the magic of poetry, fairy tales, and autism awareness, while a game-technical presentation by ECG Guardian, Saltanat Khamzeyeva, added an interactive twist.

FILM, LITERATURE, AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE

Cinema remained a festival highlight, with BISFF screenings featuring over 80 submissions. Noteworthy films included In Search of Healing Water: Chunja-Burabay-Dushanbe by Al Art and Teacher on Stage by Alen Adilbekov, offering fresh perspectives through cinematic storytelling.

Prominent artists and writers, such as Aida Reger, Elena Makarova, and Olga Shpakovich, showcased their work both online and offline. The festival’s grand opening coincided with the BISFF award ceremony, where distinguished guests like Taina Kaunis of Silk Road Media Holding and ECG Vice Chairman Marat Akhmedjanov addressed the audience. The evening concluded with a concert by Shchuchinsk’s talented musicians, Kirill Doroshkevich and Arina Romanova.

September 16th was marked by engaging masterclasses at the ECG Horizons Art Residence. British photographer Hannah Davis captured festival moments, while Taina Kaunis led an insightful session on transitioning from creativity to creative business. The Hertfordshire Press book presentation at the boutique hotel House by the Lake, drew literature enthusiasts, sparking discussions on tourism and cultural exchange.

The evening’s literary salon featured Austrian wine tasting, guided by sommelier Artem Volsky, blending intellectual and sensory indulgence. The highlight of the night was the Barbara Nawrocka-Jurkowska Medal presentation to Komil Sindarov, Rector of Angren University, a moment underscoring the festival’s commitment to honoring literary and artistic contributions.

BRIDGING CULTURES THROUGH ART

On September 17th, the festival’s younger audience was engaged through the introduction of the Junior Guild Expert Council, led by Paulina Geible-Kravts. Literary highlights included poetess Raushan Nukenova-Burkitaeva’s captivating reading and an enchanting celebration of Sukkot, presented by ECG Guardian Alexander Kazarnovsky. A lively charity auction featuring unique items from the ECG Horizons Art Residence brought the day to a heart-warming close.

The final day, September 18th, offered a cinematic reflection on Burabay’s beauty through British filmmaker Carrie Kendall’s documentary, the culmination of two years of dedicated filming. Literary presentations continued, with Marsel Salimov unveiling his new book With a Smile Around the World in celebration of his 75th birthday. The festival concluded with an emotional tribute to cultural diplomacy, as the Jonathan Fryer Medal was awarded for outstanding contributions to Eurasian creative exchange.

A LASTING LEGACY

With over 500 attendees across four days, ‘Open Eurasian Literary Festival & Book Forum’ and ‘Voices of Friends: Poetry & Art’ 2024 proved to be a resounding success. Through its fusion of poetry, literature, cinema, and visual arts, the festival created a space where diverse cultures found common ground. As artists, writers, and filmmakers parted ways, they carried with them not only new friendships and collaborations but also the inspiration to continue shaping the global creative landscape.

This extraordinary event, rooted in artistic dialogue and cultural celebration, reaffirmed Burabay’s status as a meeting point for international creatives—a legacy set to grow in the years to come.

BISFF FILM FESTIVAL WINNERS:

BEST SHORT FILM 2024 – As Easy As Closing Your Eyes, directed by Parker Croft (USA)
BEST SOCIAL DRAMA 2024 – Connection (Bailanysh), directed by Zhandos Dzholdoshov (Jandos Djoldoshov) Kyrgyzstan
BEST DOCUMENTARY 2024 – The Saviouress The Mystery Of A Buddhist Icon, directed by Anna Koryakovtseva (Russia)
BEST ANIMATION 2024 – The Forest Of The Honey Bees, directed by Erwan Le Gal (France)

SPECIAL PRIZES:
The certificate for the best demonstration of Burabaya’s cultural and historical heritage was awarded to ‘In Search of Healing Water: Chunja-Burabay-Dushanbe’, the award went to Al Art. Aizhan Art, and was presented by Natalie Bays, founder of the Romford Film Festival.

A certificate in recognition of an outstanding demonstration of female destiny was awarded to the film ‘Teacher on Stage’, the award was presented to Alena Adilbekov by directors Timur Akhmedjanov and Carrie Kendall.

And later there was a zoom presentation of Nina Yagolnitzer’s work ‘Our Ridiculous Enchanters’. The inclusion was from Israel, bringing together online and offline participants.

CHEVALIERS OF THE ECG MEMORIAL MEDAL NAMED AFTER JONATHAN FRYER:
Shavkat Ismailov
Raushan Burkitbayeva-Nukenova
Marina Alyasova
Elena Soboleva
Alexander Kazarnovsky
Gennady Gorovoy
Bakhtygul Makhanbetova

THE WINNERS OF THE CINEMA
FUTURE FILM FESTIVAL:
Winners in the age group 11-13 years old
1st place ‘Yes, we are different’ (Kazakhstan)
2 place ‘Next Time’ (Lithuania)

Winners in the age group 14-22 years old
1st place ‘The Phantom of the Queen Mary’ (USA)
2nd place ‘Being 22’ (Iran)
3 place ‘BEYNE’ (Kazakhstan)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY – Ray Art, ‘In Search of Hidden Beauty’ (Canada)
BEST DIRECTOR – ‘Please. We are worried’ ( Kazakhstan)
BEST ACTOR – Noam Minkin (Israel), the film ‘Spelling Surprise’.
AUDIENCE AWARD – ‘Fair Crime’ (Kazakhstan)

WINNERS OF ‘IV VOICES OF FRIENDS’

The Audience Award was won by Maria Muchinskaya.

‘Poetry’ category
1st place Mikhail Ananov (Georgia)
2nd place Anetta Mor (UK) and Nadia Roth (Germany)
3rd place Indira Laktaeva (USA)

Visual Arts category
1st place Shaizada Baikenova (Kazakhstan)
2nd place Marina Yanovskaya and Anastasia Kalinovskaya (UK)
3rd place Rosa Red (Russia) and Olesya Davidovskaya (Lithuania)

WINNERS OF ‘XIII OPEN EURASIA’

Children’s Prose category (Maria Shevel Prize)
1st place Irina Gurkova (Russia) and Elena Makarova (Uzbekistan)
2nd place Nina Yagolnitser (Israel)
3rd place Valeria Strekalovskaya (Ukraine)

Non-Fiction category
1st place Tatiana Linchik (Russia)
2nd place Olga Shpakovich (Russia)
3rd place Alex Arlev (USA)

‘Prose’ category
1st place Anna Garib (UK)
2nd place Saltanat Khamzeyeva (Kazakhstan)
3rd place Afina Abduldaeva (Kyrgyzstan) and Aida Reger (Kazakhstan)