Recently correspondent of International radio of China interviewed counselor of Embassy of Kazakhstan in China M. Kabaziev. Following is the text of the interview:

“Composer” – is joint Kazakh-Chinese movie that is significant project of cultural cooperation between China and Kazakhstan. In your opinion which role-played this film in cultural and humanitarian cooperation of China and Kazakhstan, what is it means for cultural exchange of both countries? Which experience gains through this cooperation?

This project is the first film production of China and Kazakhstan, which is dedicated to the great Chinese composer Xiang Xinghai. He was in Kazakstan during Great Patriotic War and his friendship with Kazakh composer Bakytzhan Baikadamov.

I would like to emphasize that Chairman of PRC Xi Jinping performed with speech on 7 September of 2013 in Nazarbaev University in Astana in which he told about his history of life in Almaty. During this speech, Chinese leader put forward the initiative “Economic belt of Silk road”.

Production of joint film project “Composer” was initiated on governmental level within the framework of the Agreement on cultural and humanitarian cooperation signed on August 31, 2015, with the participation of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China XI Jinping.

Basis for realization of this joint film project become “Intergovernmental agreement between Kazakhstan and PRC about cooperation on joint film production” signed on 8 June of 2017 within Chamber of PRC Xi Jinping`s visit to Kazakhstan.

At the same time, “Memorandum about the intention to develop mechanisms on cooperation with goals to promote of cultural exchange in the field of cinema on “One belt – one road” program” signed on 17 June of 2017 during Shanghai International film-festival.

It is gratifying that project “Composer” included in the list of projects to priority support within project “Film bridge Silk Road”.

Speaking of the movie it is significant to note that “Composer” – is movie shot in the genre of biopic that is a biographical film. It is not just plot invented by the writers, it is real events that happened to real people. During many months’ creators of movie collected information about Xian Xinghai during period his visit to Kazakhstan. Unfortunately, not so many witnesses have survived to this day. Storyline of this movie was built from memories of Kalamkas Arislanova (niece of Bahytzhan Baikadamov), at that time she was 8 years old.

It is significant to note that residing in Kazakhstan, Xian Xinghai learns Kazakh national music with big interest, he prefers live performance.  He always asked familiar composers to play him traditional Kazakh instrumental plays and songs, also he did not miss the concerts of masters of art. Based on the accumulated material and impressions he did processing some favorite tunes. During his life in Kazakhstan, he wrote a number of original works based on the themes of Kazakh musical folklore.

One of such works became symphonic poem “Amangeldy” dedicated to legendary hero of Kazakh nation Amangeldy Imanov.

Besides during his visit to Kazakhstan he composed patriotic symphonies “Liberation of the nation” and “Holy war”, suites “Red All Over the River” and “Chinese rhapsody” for wind and string instruments.

In memory of the outstanding Chinese composer, Ambassador of Kazakh-Chinese friendship and cultural exchange, on July 3, 1998 in Almaty was opened a memorial plaque and a bust of Xian Xinghai at the house number 24 on the street K. Baiseitova, the opening ceremony of which was attended by the heads of our States. On November 16, 1999 in Almaty, one of the streets was named after Xian Xinghai.

I am convinced that the screening of the film “Composer” will clearly demonstrate the high level of our bilateral relations and will serve the active development and strengthening of cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

Within the SCO and “One belt – one road”, are there any other projects planned between China and Kazakhstan in the future? For example, in the field of cinema, television, music, etc.

As you know, on May 17, 2018 in Sanya (Prov.Hainan) the 15th Meeting of the Ministers of culture of the SCO member States was held under the chairmanship of the Chinese side. It should be noted that the participants of the Meeting called for further improvement of multilateral and bilateral cooperation, active dissemination of knowledge about the traditions and customs of peoples. Also they noted information about strengthening of respect and preservation of cultural diversity, dialogue and peaceful coexistence of different civilizations, promotion of in-depth exchanges between the peoples of the SCO countries in order to strengthen mutual understanding and joint creation of a community of common destiny of mankind.

In particular, our countries expressed their readiness to promote festivals of art, competitions, camps, courses, forums, scientific conferences and other cultural events in order to promote exchange and cooperation in the fields of preservation of cultural and historical heritage of the peoples of the SCO member States. Also our countries expressed their prevention of theft and illegal import and export of cultural values, artistic creativity, theater, music, fine arts and Museum Affairs, cultural services to the population, the cultural industry, training and education of specialists in the field of culture.

Besides importance of forward strengthening of cooperation in the field of culture and art with observer states and partners of SCO, also with countries which is located through Silk Road.

I would also like to note the importance of the SCO Secretariat organizing and holding events within the framework of the SCO – our common home project, including musical evenings “Nine magic notes”. In this evening held with performances of famous pianists of the member States (on April 23, 2018 in Beijing the performance of Kazakh pianist Rakhat-Bi Abdysagin was held), as well as the “SCO marathon” (on August 27, 2017 in Astana within the framework of the international specialized exhibition “EXPO-2017”.

In this context on the occasion of the day of SCO 26 June of 2018 National Grand theater is planned for the final Gala concert of the series music evenings “Nine magic music”, which will be attended by famous pianists of our countries, including Rakhat-Bi Student and Tian Jiaxin.

Great interest from Chinese students to the Kazakh music and performance began after winning the Dimash Kudaibergenov in the TV competition “I am a singer” in the city of Changsha. On March of 2017 he won the prestigious Chinese music award in nomination “Best Asia popular singer”. He become the leader of 24th Chinese musical award China Top Music Awards. In current year his solo concerts scheduled in many cities of China.

As far as I know nowadays Kazakh producers of movie and television content actively works on development and strengthening of partner relations with China. Day of Chinese cinema held in Astana and Almaty on 2017. Popular Chinese actor Jackie Chan visited Kazakhstan. During last year, discussions of joint projects held and directions learned which could be interest for Kazakh and Chinese viewers. Kazakh movies have been a great success at different film festivals in China.

I would like to remind that film of S.Sneshkina “Tak slozhilis zvezdy” was shown in International film festival “Silk Road” on September of 2016.

Kazakh movies “Kunanbai” by D.Zholzhaksynov and “Orehovoe derevo” by E.Nurmuhambetov presented in 7th Beijing International film festival during from 8th to 23th April of 2017.

Just a few days 5 kazakh movies such as “Road to mother” (producer A.Sataev and A.Nazarbaeva), “Little prince of our city” (producer T.Demenov and A.Ibraev), “Diamond Sword” (producer R.Abdirashev and A.Asenov), “Oralman” (producer S.Kurmanbekov and A.Masalim), “Protivostoyanie” (producer V.Klimov) will present in main competitive program in “Film festival of member states of SCO” during 13-17 June of 2018 in Qingdao.

In turn, Chinese films will be presented at the XIV Eurasia International Film Festival in July 2018 in Astana.

In addition, as part of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, and the 5th anniversary of the Chinese initiative “One Belt – one Way” in 2018, we are planning a joint production of the opera by G.Puccini “Turandot”, a tour of the Beijing Art Theater to participate in 2 Astana World Theater Festival. From September 7 to 21, 2018, the 5th International Silk Road Art Festival will be held in Xi’an (Shaanxi Province), at which the Astana Opera State Opera and Ballet Theater will be staged with the performance of “Abai”.

At the same time, the possibility of organizing a nomadic exhibition “The Art of Nomads of the Great Steppe” at the National Museum of China, as well as establishing contacts with leading Chinese theaters, concert and exhibition halls, is being worked out.

As you well know, on June 15, 2017, the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang exhibition was opened in the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan within the framework of the International Specialized Exhibition EXPO-2017. About 50 archaeological objects were presented at this exhibition – clay statues of warriors, weapons, tiles, dishes, gold and silver jewelry. The exposition of terracotta warriors left the most wonderful memories of Kazakhstan citizens.

In general, I would like to note that within the framework of the project “Modern Kazakhstani Culture in a Global World” and the initiative “One Belt, One Way”, our countries will be able to reach a new level of cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

When will this movie be shown on the big screen? What famous Kazakhstani artists took part in the filming of this film?

The exact release date of the film is not yet known, but tentatively, the film will be released before the end of this year.

The film was attended by very famous Kazakhstani actors, not only as leading actors, but also episodic. Berik Aitzhanov played the role of Bakhytzhan Baykadamov. He is one of the leading actors of Kazakhstan, Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Aruzhan Jazilbekova – performer of the role of Danash. Aruzhan is a very popular actress not only in our country, but also abroad. She often starred in Russian projects. Altynai Nogherbek is a wonderful theater and film actress, Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan, winner of awards in the nomination “Best Female Role” at the New York Film Festival, as well as at the Eurasia and Eurasian Bridge Film Festivals.

No less famous actors took part in the episodes. In particular, Yerbolat Toguzakov – Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan, winner of the Moscow Film Festival in the nomination “Best Male Role” for the film “Shal”. Baykenzhe Belbaev – member of the Union of Cinematographers of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Well-known and talented film actors also represented the Chinese side, such as Hu Jun, who played the role of composer Xian Sinhai, and Yuan Quan, the performer of the wife Xiang Sinhai.

I am sure that their brilliant acting performance will deserve due respect and appreciation from the Kazakh and Chinese viewers.

In conclusion of his interview, I would like to express the hope that the issues raised will allow listeners and readers of the International Radio of China to learn more about Kazakhstan-China relations in the field of cultural and humanitarian cooperation. Taking this opportunity, I ask all the listeners of your radio to say hello and my best wishes.

To do this, we need to establish in our countries a mutual translation and publication of books and works of famous Kazakh and Chinese writers and poets; dubbing and screening of feature, documentary and animated films on central television; organizing regular tours and concerts of artists, holding “Days of Cinema”.

The implementation of such projects will allow promoting the achievements and the best examples of Kazakhstani culture at the global level through translation into the main six world languages, including Chinese. It is about the broadest understanding of national culture, which includes achievements in the field of science, literature, visual and musical art, theater, cinema, etc.

In addition, I would like to especially note that on June 8, 2017, the Telecommunication Corporation “Kazakhstan” and the Central Television of the People’s Republic of China CCTV signed a “Memorandum of Cooperation and Joint Cooperation”. This year, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Nazarbayev gave an extended interview to a Chinese TV channel.

Every year, the Chinese media are invited to participate and consecrate in various political and cultural events held in Kazakhstan.

In this regard, we need to intensify the interaction of the media in our countries, as well as to consider the possibility of covering cultural and children’s programs, as well as broadcasting in the Kazakh language on CCTV television.

I am sure that all these steps would help our peoples to get to know each other’s original ancient history and culture more deeply, which would ultimately contribute to the further strengthening of friendship, good-neighborliness and cooperation between Kazakhstan and China.