AGP Executive Report

Film & TV in Kazakhstan: German actor Til Schweiger has arrived in Almaty to join Jackie Chan’s action project Armour of God 4: Ultimatum, with filming started in Mangystau and more scenes shot in Baku. US Open & Kazakhstan spotlight: Elena Rybakina powered past Naomi Osaka to reach the US Open quarterfinals, setting up a Kazakh-vs-China clash with Zheng Qinwen; Osaka also hit back at critics over her bold fashion choices. Sports diplomacy & culture: Kyrgyzstan’s International Issyk-Kul Games kicked off with 21 sports and athletes from Kazakhstan and beyond, running until Sept. 12. Nomad Games cultural wave: The VI World Nomad Games wrapped in Kyrgyzstan, highlighting steppe heritage through ethnosports and events like NOMAD FEST, where Kazakhstan took top honors in ethno-dance. Music & pop: Taemin announced new Kazakhstan stop details for his Dec. 6 Almaty Arena concert on the LiMiNaL tour. Theatre: Bishkek’s IMPULSE festival of small forms runs Sept. 14–18 with troupes from Kazakhstan and the region.

Film & TV in Kazakhstan: German actor Til Schweiger has arrived in Almaty to join Jackie Chan’s international action blockbuster Armour of God: Ultimatum, with filming already underway in Mangystau and additional scenes shot in Baku. Cinema & culture spotlight: Kazakh actress Shugyla Yeshen discusses the upcoming historical action film Zheti Qaraqshy (about the Semipalatinsk nuclear test legacy), while cinematographer Hasan Kydyraliev reflects on his work with Algimantas Vidugiris and the shared cinema tradition across Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Heritage preservation: Scholars at a World Nomad Games-linked conference in Kyrgyzstan urged joint efforts to preserve nomadic cultural heritage, including digital archives and support for living traditions. Arts events: Bishkek’s IMPULSE small-forms theater festival runs Sept 14–18, featuring Kazakhstan productions alongside troupes from Kyrgyzstan, Moldova and Russia. Exhibition: Almaty’s National Central Museum opened an exhibition marking the 120th anniversary of Azerbaijani scholar and carpet artist Latif Karimov. Sports with a Kazakh angle: Elena Rybakina is one win from world No.1 after reaching the US Open quarterfinals, where she’ll face Zheng Qinwen.

Kazakhstan in the spotlight at the World Nomad Games: Kyrgyz President’s press secretary Askat Alagozov says Kazakhstan has been declared the overall winner of the VI World Nomad Games medal standings after a technical recount that counted three Kazakh athletes separately. The Games’ spirit of rivalry “on the field only” was stressed, with kok-boru and zher-ulaq highlighted as standout events. US Open women’s tennis: Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan) crushed Naomi Osaka 6-1, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals and move one win from world No.1, where she’ll face Zheng Qinwen after Zheng’s comeback win over Iga Swiatek. Theatre in Central Asia: Bishkek’s 11th International IMPULSE Festival of Small Forms runs Sept. 14–18, featuring Kazakh and Kyrgyz productions plus a post-festival roundtable. Tourism investment: Kazakhstan reported $4.8B in tourism investment across 2024–2025, with new hotel projects and efforts to extend the season year-round. Fashion trade buzz: Hong Kong’s CENTRESTAGE drew 12,000+ trade buyers from 93 countries, setting a new attendance record.

World Nomad Games: Kazakhstan has been officially declared winner of the overall medal standings after the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, with the only dispute tied to how medals of three Kazakh athletes were counted; President’s office stressed rivalry stayed on the field and congratulated Kyrgyz “brothers.” Cultural Sport & Arts: The Games also highlighted ethnosports as living heritage, while Kazakhstan’s Gulder ensemble won Grand Prix at an ethno-dance competition at the World Nomad Games, presenting choreographic works including “Er Turan” and “Korkyt.” Tourism & Entertainment: Kazakhstan reported $4.8B tourism investment across 2024–2025, with new hotel projects and mountain-resort expansion as arrivals rise—plus an events calendar push to keep travel year-round. Music Spotlight: Dimash Qudaibergen’s “AQERKE” placed top three in Channel R’s global fan vote, landing among the season’s highest-ranked tracks. Global Arts/Events: The 3rd San Francisco Turkish Festival (Sept 12–13) brings Turkish and Turkic living heritage to Embarcadero Plaza with artisans, music, and performances.

World Nomad Games: Kyrgyzstan topped the medal table at the 6th World Nomad Games in Issyk-Kul, finishing with 72 medals (30 gold), while Kazakhstan placed second with 64 (29 gold). The Games also wrapped with cultural and scientific programming, including an international conference on nomadic heritage and values. Traditional Sports Spotlight: Kok-boru delivered a dominant Kyrgyz final win over Kazakhstan (12:0), while kokpar prize details highlighted big payouts for top teams. Kazakh Athletes & Ethno-Dance: Kazakhstan’s Gulder ensemble won Grand Prix at an ethno-dance competition during the Nomad Games, and Kazakhstan also collected multiple medals in togyzkumalak and mangala. UFC & Combat Sports: Shavkat Rakhmonov said he fought Ian Machado Garry despite a pre-existing knee injury and is targeting a UFC return in 2027. US Open (Kazakhstan link): Elena Rybakina faces Naomi Osaka as the US Open heads deeper into the draw. Arts & Culture Beyond Sport: Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME drew 17,000+ buyers worldwide, underscoring Kazakhstan’s broader regional cultural-trade connections.

World Nomad Games Wrap-Up: Kazakhstan’s sports delegation left Kyrgyzstan on a high, with President Tokayev praising the athletes after the country topped the overall medal table (74 medals: 32 gold, 20 silver, 22 bronze). Traditional Sports Spotlight: Kazakhstan still faced tough finals—Kyrgyzstan dominated kok-boru (12:0) and also took kokpar glory (7:2), while Kazakhstan’s togyzkumalak and mangala teams delivered strong results, including six medals in togyzkumalak (four gold) and five in mangala. Next Host Confirmed: Kyrgyzstan officially handed the baton of the 7th World Nomad Games to Russia’s Tatarstan for 2028 in Kazan. Cultural-Science Angle: A Kazakh professor framed the Games as a platform for open dialogue, blending sports with culture, music, crafts, and academic work. Kazakhstan in Global Sports: In the Spanish Vuelta, Wout van Aert won a heat-shortened Stage 15 while overall leader Enric Mas held firm; in tennis, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina reached the US Open last 16.

World Nomad Games Spotlight: Kok-boru’s final is underway in Cholpon-Ata as Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan chase gold, with tickets sold out and extra fans redirected to side areas. Kazakhstan’s Medal Momentum: Kazakhstan’s athletes keep stacking wins at the VI World Nomad Games, leading the overall standings with 55 medals (25 gold, 13 silver, 17 bronze). Traditional Sports Results: Kyrgyzstan took ordo gold, while Kazakhstan swept tug-of-war disciplines (1x1, 4x4, 8x8) and also topped horseback archery events. Cultural Festival Buzz: The “Echo of the Nomads” ethnic music festival crowned Kyrgyz performer Nurdoolot Derkembaev with the Grand Prix, with Kazakhstan’s Jasmina Tleumbetova second. Sports Diplomacy: President Tokayev says Kazakhstan will reward World Nomad Games standouts, while Kazakhstan’s Vice President powers were defined by decree. Wildlife & Heritage: A second Przewalski’s horse foal has been born in Kazakhstan as part of the reintroduction program. International Arts & Music: Enrique Iglesias kicked off his Astana run on Sept. 3, turning the arena into a singalong night.

World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan: Kazakhstan’s athletes kept the momentum, leading the medal race and sweeping tug-of-war disciplines (1x1, 4x4, 8x8), while the 300 km equestrian marathon also went to Kazakhstan; the Kazakh team’s strength showed across traditional sports like audaryspak, eagle hunting and archery. Cultural spotlight: The ethnomusic festival “Echo of the Nomads” (“Köçmön dörru”) crowned Nurdoolot Derkembaev with the grand prize, with Kazakh performer Jasmina Tleumbetova taking second. Film & culture exchange: Kyrgyz cultural figures at the Games discussed inviting world cinema stars, while Natalia Arinbasarova’s legacy and recognition were highlighted by the event’s cultural leadership. Kazakhstan leadership update: President Tokayev signed a decree defining the powers of Kazakhstan’s Vice President, including strategic policy work and oversight of youth policy, literature and art. Sports beyond Central Asia: At the US Open, Carlos Alcaraz beat Wu Yibing in straight sets; in Kazakhstan’s tennis orbit, Alexander Bublik’s match ended as Tommy Paul advanced. Arts & entertainment: Enrique Iglesias brought a big crowd to Astana Arena on Sept. 3, turning the first Kazakhstan stop of his tour into a singalong celebration.

Tech & Innovation: Cyberport and Astana Hub are deepening ties, aiming to move AI, fintech and smart-city startups between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan, with a direct corridor to China and Asia-Pacific markets. Music & Pop Culture: Enrique Iglesias kicked off his Kazakhstan tour in Astana on Sept. 3, delivering hits, big stage effects and close audience interaction. Sports & Heritage: Kazakhstan’s equestrian and falconry stars shone at the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, including gold in horseback coin picking and falconry, as the event drew athletes from 104 countries. International Spotlight: The US Open kept Kazakh tennis in focus: Elena Rybakina advanced to the third round, while Yulia Putintseva faced Zheng Qinwen in a hard-fought match. Arts & Events: Fall movie season previews are already heating up, with major releases lined up for September through November. Culture on the Move: Kazakh yurts and beshbarmak made their way to Burning Man, turning the camp into a mini Kazakh village for thousands of guests.

World Nomad Games Spotlight: Kazakhstan’s Kanat Baktybai won gold in tenge ilu (horseback coin picking), while Serikbolsyn Zhalgasuly took falconry gold (kusbegilik) at the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan. US Open (Kazakhstan in focus): Elena Rybakina powered past Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva 6-4, 2-6, 6-1 to reach the US Open third round, setting up a clash with Madison Keys. Kazakh Tech & Heritage: A Kazakh-language AI evaluation benchmark is being built to test models on grammar, translation, and ethnographic knowledge, alongside OCR tools to digitise Kazakh archives and textbooks. Local Arts & Entertainment: Enrique Iglesias brought a multi-generational singalong to Astana, thanking fans in Kazakh as the show wrapped after about 90 minutes. Dance Culture: Red Bull Dance Your Style Kazakhstan held its national final in Karaganda, with SOUEAST backing the “Travel + Culture” theme. Sports Elsewhere (regional): Russian table tennis players are set to compete in all international tournaments under their national flag again, and Mongolia returned from Central Asian Badminton Championships with three bronze medals.

Dance & Lifestyle: SOUEAST backed the Red Bull Dance Your Style Kazakhstan National Final in Karaganda, spotlighting 16 freestyle dancers and the “Travel + Culture” vibe. AI & Heritage: A Kazakh-language AI project is building evaluation benchmarks for language and culture, while researchers use OCR and new audio/text datasets to digitise historical archives. US Open Spotlight (Kazakhstan): Elena Rybakina advanced to the third round with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, setting up a next match against Yuliia Starodubtseva. World Nomad Games (Regional Culture + Sport): Kyrgyzstan’s kuroshu and mas-wrestling wrapped with medals across many countries, while Kazakhstan added to its haul at the VI World Nomad Games in Issyk-Kul. Traditional Arts on Screen: Bishkek’s II International UmutDoc festival (Sept 10–14) will use a “kurak” fabric concept for its documentary opening and closing ceremonies. Music in Astana: Enrique Iglesias drew a multi-generational singalong crowd at Astana Arena, turning the concert into a shared nostalgia moment. Energy Talk: Qazaqgaz leadership says Kazakhstan’s gas potential could become as strategic as oil, with new exploration and gas marketing ambitions.

World Nomad Games Spotlight: Kazakhstan keeps stacking medals at the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, adding more podium finishes across audaryspak, zhamby atu and tug-of-war, while sambo and alysh wrestling also bring Kazakhstan bronze and silver. Traditional Culture on Stage: The Rukh Ordo Cultural Center in Cholpon-Ata hosts “Nomads Art” and other creative music sessions, turning the Games into a living showcase of throat singing, folk instruments and epic heritage. Kazakh Heritage, TV & Fashion-Adjacent Culture: Kazakhstan marks Kazakh Tazy Day for the first time, with a documentary (“Tazy: A National Treasure”) airing on Jibek Joly and artists sharing rare Tazy photos tied to President Tokayev’s horses and dogs. Arts & Design: Almaty’s Six Coffee + Wine reimagines a Stalin-era building through five interconnected rooms that shift from “morning brightness to evening intimacy,” blending architecture with local art. Sports Meets Entertainment: UFC TUF 34 wraps with Osmanli earning a finals spot, while US Open coverage keeps Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina in the spotlight. International Arts/Film: Vietnamese director Nguyen Hoang Diep’s film “1982” heads to Busan in the Vision-Asia section.

Nomads Art Festival: Cholpon-Ata’s Rukh Ordo Cultural Center hosted “Nomads Art,” bringing together traditional music performers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and beyond, with live instrument-making and master classes tied to the VI World Nomad Games. US Open & Kazakh Spotlight: Elena Rybakina beat 17-year-old Thea Frodin in her first Grand Slam main-draw match, while Belinda Bencic avoided a default after a ball hit a spectator, drawing attention to on-court conduct. Kazakhstan in Sport: Short-track star Abzal Azhgaliyev announced his retirement after a 24-year career, and Dastan Satpaev was named Player of the Match for Burnley against Middlesbrough. World Nomad Games Medals: Kazakhstan added golds in audaryspak (Nurtalap Kerim, Sailau Mukhammedzhan) and more medals in wrestling disciplines, as the Games continue across Bishkek and Issyk-Kul. AI in Education Debate: A new wave of pushback grows as Kazakhstan educators get ChatGPT Edu, alongside bans and restrictions elsewhere over child safety and development.

World Nomad Games: Kazakhstan struck gold early at the VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, winning its first two medals in audaryspak as Nurtalap Kerim (up to 60kg) and Sailau Mukhammedzhan (up to 70kg) topped Kyrgyz rivals. US Open Spotlight: Elena Rybakina eased past 17-year-old Thea Frodin 6-3, 6-2 in her first-round match, shaking off recent injury worries and keeping her world No.1 push alive. New Talent in the Arts: Kazakhstan’s Kazakh National Arts University opened its first regional branch in North Kazakhstan, enrolling 97 students with programs spanning theatre, music, visual arts, and film/TV arts. Cultural Diplomacy: The Kazakhstan Cultural Center in Beijing marked its first anniversary, highlighting a year of Kazakh language, arts, and community events drawing tens of thousands of visitors. Festival Watch: Marrakech’s 6th Short Film Festival runs Sept. 25–30, with submissions from 90+ countries and a strong international competition including Kazakhstan. Music & Dance: Greece’s Naima Gerasopoulou won world tango champion title with partner Lucas Gauto, with Kazakhstan among the final’s featured countries. Ethno-Music in Cholpon-Ata: “Echo of the Nomads” kicked off in Kyrgyzstan, featuring performers from 20 countries through Sept. 4.

US Open & Kazakh Spotlight: Elena Rybakina eased into the US Open second round with a 6-3, 6-2 win over 17-year-old Thea Frodin, who previously appeared as a Serena Williams body double in “King Richard.” Cultural Festival: “Echo of the Nomads” kicked off in Cholpon-Ata, bringing performers from 20 countries and running through Sept. 4 with themed ethno-music days. Nomad Games Buzz: The VI World Nomad Games opened in Bishkek with major social-media attention across Kazakhstan, while the kok-boru and kokpar draws set Group A/B matchups for Sept. 2 starts. Arts & Entertainment Controversy: A Borat screening was canceled at Vidiots amid backlash over Ali G “racist” claims, with activists pushing boycotts. Music Feature: Astana-based MARSTEREON is profiled for a melody-forward electronic sound blending deep, tropical and Afro house. Education (Local Impact): Kazakhstan opened 57 new schools for the 2026-2027 year, adding capacity for 62,000 students.

World Nomad Games in Bishkek: The VI World Nomad Games opened in Kyrgyzstan with a packed, high-profile ceremony drawing global attention and huge social-media buzz across Central Asia, spotlighting nomadic sports, costumes, mass performances and music. Kazakhstan sports culture: Kazakhstan’s teams and athletes are among the key participants, with kok-boru and kokpar draws set for Sept. 2 and finals scheduled for Sept. 6. Next host announced: Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov said Russia’s Tatarstan will host the 7th World Nomad Games in 2028, extending the event’s regional cultural footprint. Astana arts-tech angle: Kazakhstan’s growing AI push in Astana is being framed as a boost for creative industries and smart city life, linking tech with culture. Music spotlight (Astana): MARSTEREON, an Astana-based electronic artist, is gaining international traction with deep/tropical/Afro house releases and big streaming numbers. Prime Video picks: Prime Video’s September lineup includes major film and series drops, plus a big Ali G title return. Cycling: Bastien Tronchon stunned fans with a chaotic Vuelta Stage 10 sprint win, while Kazakhstan’s Yevgeniy Fedorov featured in the late break. US Open buzz: Filipina Alex Eala heads into the US Open with “Pinoy Power” behind her, as tennis coverage keeps Kazakhstan’s stars in the spotlight.