Film lecture series 'From Chronicle to the Future' held in Aktau

The film was produced as part of the International Year of Volunteers, proclaimed by the United Nations at the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Maksat Rzakhanov, chairman of the permanent commission of the regional maslikhat, emphasized the importance of such projects, noting that documentary films allow audiences to view significant developments in the country from a new perspective.

The film’s main protagonists - volunteers Daniyar Akimzhanov and Bakhytgul Omirkhankyzy from Mangystau region - also attended the screening. As part of the Film Lecture Series organized by the President’s TV and Radio Complex, Aktau residents had the opportunity to meet and speak with them in person.

A native of the village of Bautino located on the Caspian coast, Daniyar Akimzhanov has been connected to the sea since childhood.

“The current state of the Caspian Sea is alarming. I constantly ask myself: ‘How can we help?’ We work closely with the relevant authorities on environmental initiatives. We must care for everything created by nature. Protecting marine life, birds and other animals is our shared responsibility. To preserve the Caspian ecosystem, we organize coastal clean-up campaigns, remove waste from the seabed and conduct environmental activities on the islands,” he said.

Bakhytgul Omirkhankyzy, head of the EcoLeader Volunteer Club, independent ecologist and volunteer, works with young people to clean the coastline, protect seals and study the environment. Club members monitor swan and flamingo populations at Lake Karakol and conduct water quality assessments.

“I never set a goal to become a volunteer. It is simply a calling of the heart. Kazakhstan should be clean. Wherever I go, I try to promote cleanliness and instill these values in children,” she said.

Today, volunteer initiatives receive support at the highest level, with volunteerism encouraged by the Constitution.

Adilbek Kulaman, Chief Producer of the Documentary Film Center at the President’s TV and Radio Complex, explained the goal of the project.

“Why did we make this film? At the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, year 2026 was declared by the UN as the International Year of Volunteers. In this context, we chose to focus on people in Kazakhstan who selflessly contribute to preserving the Caspian Sea. This is not merely a story about specific individuals; it demonstrates how civic responsibility and compassion are becoming integral elements of the national idea,” he said.

The film’s title carries a deep meaning. A single drop may seem small and insignificant, yet thousands of drops together form a sea. Every action and every volunteer initiative contributes to the collective effort to protect the Caspian Sea.

Aktau resident Nazzhan Sarsenbay shared her impressions.

“The film deeply impressed me. The condition of the Caspian Sea, the fate of the seals and the dedication of volunteers who care about them gave me much to think about. Sometimes you realize that even a small action can make a significant contribution to protecting nature,” she said.

The second film featured was Aral, which portrays the life of an old fisherman Kuntugan Turgynbayev, whose life has been inseparably linked to the Aral Sea and the fishing industry. The Aral Sea has been gradually recovering with the support of the President.

As it was previously reported, the nationwide film lecture series From Chronicle to the Future is being held to mark the 30th anniversary of the Kazakh President’s TV and Radio Complex. Launched on May 21 in Astana, the initiative has already covered the cities of Kyzylorda, Turkistan, Shymkent, and Taraz.

Following Aktau, the project will travel to Atyrau, Oral, Aktobe, Oskemen, Semey, Pavlodar, Petropavl, Kostanay, Zhezkazgan, Karaganda, Kokshetau, Taldykorgan and Konaev before concluding in Almaty on September 25.

All screenings are free of charge.