New York Film Academy alumnus Sanzhar Madiyev has become one of the most sought-after actors in his home country of Kazakhstan. Madiyev has appeared in both film and television projects, including “Khod Konem” (Armenia/Kazakhstan) directed by Gor Kirakosian, “The Way Home” (Kazakhstan) directed by Rashid Suleimenov, the TV series “Marco Polo” (USA), “Hunting the Phantom” (Kazakhstan) directed by Marina Kunarova, “Amanat” (Kazakhstan) directed by Satybaldy Narymbetov, “Married at 30” (Kazakhstan) directed by New York Film Academy alumnus, and “Zaschitniki” (Russia) directed by Sarik Andreasyan.
Earlier this year, Madiyev spoke at the New York Film Academy Los Angeles’ campus, where he said, “You have to believe in your dreams and never doubt them. It’s also important to be among people with similar interests. The spirit of NYFA helped me a lot — do not give up.”
Recently, the Hollywood Reporter announced that one of his latest films, “Amanat,” directed by Satybaldy Narymbetov, where Sanzhar plays Kenesary Khan, has been selected by Kazakhstan as its Best Foreign Film nomination for the 2017 Academy Awards.
“Amanat” premiered in Kazakhstan in May and was produced by Arman Asenov and Kazakhfilm Studios.
A story that spans three periods in Kazakh history, the film links mid-19th century struggles against the Russians to two 20th century episodes revolving around the fate of former political prisoner Ermukhan Bekmakhanov. Bekmakhanov was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment for writing historical books about Kazakh national hero Kenesary Kasymov and his national liberation movement.
Kazakhstan’s annual international film festival, Eurasia, where “Amanat” recently screened, noted the film brings to life “the forgotten names of the true sons of the Kazakh people … designating the true parameters of the spiritual power of the people.”