World-Renowned Writer’s Life to Hit Big Screen in Historic Kyrgyz Film

In a landmark development for Kyrgyz cinema, the Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of the country’s first-ever feature film dedicated to the life and legacy of world-renowned writer Chingiz Aitmatov.

The ambitious biographical project is being led by young filmmaker and cinematographer Kanybek Kalmatov, who has officially begun production, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

The film will chronicle Aitmatov’s journey from his early years to his rise as an internationally acclaimed literary figure.

According to the ministry, the project has already sparked significant interest among industry professionals. Adding to its cultural significance, Kalmatov has secured exclusive adaptation rights to Aitmatov’s biography through an agreement with the writer’s son, Eldar Aitmatov.

The upcoming feature will be a full-length biographical drama, grounded in real events and presented in the form of a visually rich and emotionally charged biopic. Central to the film is Aitmatov’s pursuit of a literary voice and identity - a narrative of struggle, resilience, and national pride.

“This film not only seeks to portray the personal and professional journey of Chingiz Aitmatov, but also aims to inspire a new generation of Kyrgyzstanis to believe in their dreams and follow them with conviction,” the Ministry of Culture said.

Kalmatov, a graduate of prestigious All-Russian State University of Cinematography in Moscow, previously earned recognition as the director of photography for Beyish Enenin Tamaninda, the most commercially successful film in Kyrgyzstan’s history.

The premiere of the Chingiz Aitmatov biopic is scheduled for 2026.