Kazakhstan's President Tokayev Champions Astana AI Film Festival as a Global First

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has spotlighted the inaugural Astana AI Film Festival as a landmark event — describing it as the first in the world dedicated to showcasing AI's potential in cinema. Speaking at a Teachers' Day ceremony at the Akorda Presidential Palace, Tokayev framed the festival as evidence that traditional filmmaking structures are being upended, with AI enabling creators to produce full-fledged films independently, without relying on producers, sponsors, or official backing.

The festival, held in Astana in early October 2026, was part of a broader week of AI-focused events in the Kazakh capital, including the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 Forum and a meeting of the Council for Artificial Intelligence Development. Tokayev personally participated in the festival's opening ceremony on October 2nd, underscoring the Kazakh government's commitment to AI as a national priority.