The 2023 NEWSKY WORD International Media Awards in Kazakhstan recently announced its winners, with a documentary spotlighting life in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region capturing global attention. Titled “The Kazakhs in China’s Xinjiang,” this insightful film was produced and broadcast by Kazakhstan’s TURAN TV station and received the prestigious Best Film Award, triumphing over 350 other shortlisted works.
This 42-minute documentary, a collaborative effort between China and Kazakhstan, delves into the daily lives of nearly ten individuals residing in Xinjiang’s Yili region. It aims to provide an objective portrayal of the area’s economic and social progress, as well as the living conditions of its diverse ethnic communities.
Martina Ashlova, the program producer at TURAN TV, expressed her immense pride in receiving this award, considering it the most honorable recognition in her career. She hopes that the documentary will inspire more Kazakhs to explore China, especially the Xinjiang region. Ashlova views this documentary as a crucial medium for Russian-speaking audiences to gain a deeper understanding of China and Xinjiang.
The NEWSKY WORD International Media Awards, now in its third year, is dedicated to promoting values of humanism, neighborliness, and harmonious coexistence. This year’s competition saw a collection of over 4,500 submissions, with 350 works shortlisted from various countries including Kazakhstan, Italy, France, Turkey, Canada, Spain, and China.
During the production of the documentary in May, the filming crew explored locales such as Horgos and Yining. The final product was presented in Russian, complete with subtitles, to cater to a broader audience.
A significant focus of the documentary is the Horgos International Border Cooperation Center, a unique commercial and touristic area straddling the border of China and Kazakhstan. This center, covering an area of 5.6 square kilometers, symbolizes the growing cultural and economic ties between the two nations. Roman Botabekov, the director of TURAN TV, has closely followed the development of this center, noting its transformation from barren land to a modern hub of cultural exchange.
TURAN TV, known for its focus on travel, adventure, and lifestyle, broadcasts programs in a reality show format, showcasing global touristic and cultural highlights. The station, in its commitment to bridging cultures and highlighting diverse lifestyles, has announced plans to continue producing a series of video programs about Xinjiang in 2024, further solidifying its role in promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
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