A preview screening of “Shymyr,” a new Kazakhstani action film directed by Anvar Matzhanov, took place on October 27. The film opens in cinemas on October 29, starring Yerkebulan Daiyrov, Azamat Satybaldy and Akbota-Nur. “Shymyr” is the fourth film made with the support of Tolqyn Film Fund.
The story follows an ordinary man who takes justice into his own hands. Shymyr’s background as a man of the people shaped the approach to the film’s action sequences. The filmmakers sought to capture the physical strain of every confrontation: the struggle to catch his breath, the loss of balance and the effort it takes to get back up after a fall. Camerawork, sound and editing work together to make audiences feel the impact of each clash and experience the action alongside the protagonist.
A team of 40 stunt performers and fight choreographers from Nomad Stunts, led by Zhaidarbek Kunguzhinov, worked on the action sequences. The stunt team first developed and rehearsed the choreography among themselves. Once the director approved each sequence, the actors joined the rehearsals. Yerkebulan Daiyrov began training with the team before filming started. Many of the stunt performers also took on small roles, appearing on screen as the protagonist’s opponents.
“Stunt work also requires a great deal of acting. It is important not simply to execute a move precisely, but to convey effort, pain and confusion. When everyone works with that understanding, a fight becomes a fully developed dramatic scene, with its own beginning, turning point and consequences,” says director Anvar Matzhanov.
The actors performed fight sequences and stunts themselves, taking on work that demanded considerable physical preparation and commitment. During the filming of one scene, Akbota-Nur sustained a knee injury.
Leading actor Yerkebulan Daiyrov is known to audiences for his roles in “No. 37,” “Qash” and “Salem, Papa.” Azamat Satybaldy, whose credits include “Mama,” “Captain Baitasov” and “Baqyt Qushaghynda,” plays the antagonist. Akbota-Nur takes on a new screen persona, while “Shymyr” marks Alau Kairatkyzy’s first major film role. The cast also includes Kuantai Abdimadi, Olzhas Togymbet and Ashim Akhmet.
According to the director, the lead actors were selected without auditions, as the roles had been written specifically for them. The project’s general producers also unanimously supported the choice of actor for Shymyr.
Anvar Matzhanov is known for “Taptym-au Seni,” “Brother or Marriage 3” and his work on the “Business the Kazakh Way” franchise. In “Shymyr,” he turns to the action genre, combining intense fight sequences with the story of an ordinary man determined to fight for justice.
“Shymyr” opens in cinemas on October 29.
