Director Yermek Tursunov Explains Departure from Kazakhstan

Director and writer Yermek Tursunov shared his reasons for leaving the country in a recent Facebook post, Orda.kz reports.

It's all sad, of course, but I don't see any other way out. And if we call a spade a spade, I was simply forced out of the country,
 Tursunov wrote.

He referenced several former Ministers of Culture and Information, including Aqtota Raimkulova, Dauren Abayev, and Askhat Oralov, in connection with events that contributed to his decision.

The director recalled past restrictions on his films, such as bans on the release of Besmoynaq and Kelin, investigations into all his works by anti-corruption authorities, and a search at the home of producer Kanat Torebay.

An information campaign was organized against me. All sorts of horror stories began to appear on the Internet about how bad I am, what a thief, corrupt official and incompetent I am. I shoot films that no one needs. I write books that no one needs. And in general, I have been living for ten extra years... They wrote that billions were spent on my films. Although in reality the total budget of all my films is two times less than one Tomiris. And four times less than Kazakh Khanate. 

Tursunov also mentioned difficulties in organizing events featuring his participation, saying that the environment had become increasingly restrictive.

Now every step I take causes an particular reaction. They don't let me make films anymore. As for books, I have to call Aqorda to be allowed to just give them away. 

He explained that he does not want to become entangled in conflicts similar to those he experienced in 1998.

Look closely, think about it: the absurd is becoming the norm for us. And the norm evokes a sense of miracle. This won't go on. Something needs to be done,
 he concluded.

The anti-corruption service later responded, stating that the information posted by the director on Facebook is untrue.

Earlier, another director, the writer of the film "The Long Echo," reportedly filed a statement with the service. 

He demanded that the former management of Kazakhfilm be held accountable for abuses during filming.

As part of the case, the ex-director of Alashfilm LLP, who was previously Tursunov's business partner, was questioned.

Tursunov was not called and does not appear in the case.

There are no suspects in the case yet.

Yermek Tursunov is a well-known Kazakh director, screenwriter, and author. His works include Who Are You, Mr. Ka?, Sabalak, Mustafa Shokay, Baksy, Close Combat, Patchwork Blanket, Abulkhair Khan, and The Tax Collector.

Original Author: Raushan Korzhumbekova