Ermek Karimzhanovich Tursunov, a highly acclaimed and accomplished Kazakh film director and screenwriter, was born on July 20, 1961, in the picturesque settlement of Narynkol, nestled within the Almaty Region. From a tender age, Tursunov's innate passion for sports was evident, and he subsequently enrolled in a sports school at the tender age of five, where he honed his skills and laid the foundation for a future career in the world of sports.
As he grew older, Tursunov's dedication to his craft only intensified, and he pursued his passion for sports at the university level, where he played professional futsal and represented Kazakhstan's national futsal team with distinction. In a testament to his remarkable talent and perseverance, Tursunov even had the privilege of participating in the 2000 World Cup in Guatemala, a truly momentous occasion that showcased his exceptional abilities on the global stage.
Tursunov's academic credentials are truly remarkable, boasting a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the prestigious Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, which he earned in 1984.
In addition to his Journalism degree, Tursunov also holds a degree in Screenwriting and Film Studies from the renowned All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography, a testament to his diverse range of academic pursuits and interests.
With a degree in Journalism from 1984, Tursunov's academic background provides a solid foundation for his future endeavors in the field of communication and media.
Furthermore, his degree in Screenwriting and Film Studies from the All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography in 1990 demonstrates his commitment to the art of storytelling and his passion for the moving image.
Tursunov's academic achievements serve as a testament to his intellectual curiosity, his ability to excel in multiple fields, and his dedication to his craft.
Tursunov's endeavors extend far beyond his artistic endeavors, as he has actively participated in various social and political movements, with a notable instance being his involvement in the Nevada-Semey movement, a collective effort aimed at combating nuclear testing in Kazakhstan.
Tursunov's professional career has been a multifaceted and extensive one, encompassing a diverse range of roles and responsibilities. One of his most notable positions has been that of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Qazaqstan, the national broadcasting corporation of Kazakhstan, where he has been instrumental in shaping the direction and strategy of the organization.
In addition to his work at Qazaqstan, Tursunov has also served as the Executive Producer of Channel 31 TV and radio broadcasting company, a position that has allowed him to leverage his expertise and leadership skills to drive the production and broadcasting of high-quality content.
Furthermore, since 2018, Tursunov has held the esteemed position of Chairman of the Kazakhstani Union of Filmmakers, a role that has afforded him the opportunity to promote and support the development of the film industry in Kazakhstan, while also providing a platform for filmmakers to share their work and connect with a wider audience.
Throughout his career, Tursunov has demonstrated a deep commitment to the media and entertainment industries, and has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field. His unique blend of leadership skills, industry expertise, and creative vision has made him a valuable asset to any organization, and his impact on the media landscape in Kazakhstan and beyond is undeniable.
Tursunov, a renowned film director, has left an indelible mark on the cinematic world with his impressive body of work. His inaugural film, "Kelin", garnered significant attention, being shortlisted for the prestigious Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2008. This remarkable achievement was merely the beginning of his illustrious career, as he went on to create a string of critically acclaimed films, including "The Old Man" in 2012 and "Stranger" (also known as "Zhat").
These subsequent films have been met with widespread recognition and acclaim, earning numerous awards and nominations. Notably, "The Old Man" and "Stranger" received the esteemed Kulager Award for Best Film of the Year, while "Stranger" also claimed the Nika Award for Best CIS and Baltic Movie. Furthermore, "Stranger" was honored with the NETPAC Award at the 19th Black Nights Festival in Tallinn, a testament to Tursunov's exceptional storytelling abilities and dedication to his craft.
Tursunov's impressive body of work has garnered significant recognition from the esteemed Asia Pacific Screen Awards, which has proudly acknowledged him as one of the most outstanding and accomplished Asian film directors of his generation.
Throughout the trajectory of his illustrious career, Tursunov has consistently demonstrated an unwavering dedication to his craft, his homeland, and his community, thereby establishing himself as a master of his domain, a global authority in the realm of futsal, and a highly respected figure within the Kazakh film industry, where his contributions have left an indelible mark.
