On October 13, filming began for the family comedy “Balalarga aitpa!” (“Don’t Tell the Kids!”). The event followed the signing of an agreement between Tolqyn Film Fund OEIC Ltd., through its project company Tolqyn Pictures, and Astana Film Fund LLP for the production of a full-length feature film. The release is scheduled for March 17, 2026.
The film brings together a strong and experienced creative team. Director Darkhan Sarkenov is known for commercially successful films such as “Zamanback,” “Bisharashki,” and “Qolyńnan kelse alyp qash.” Creative producer — Sanzhar Ali, co-producer — Nursultan Kursanali uulu, executive producer — Aruuana Alisheva. The screenplay is written by Ryskul Konakbayev, Ernat Baishalov, Belek Turgunov, Bektur Usenov, and Radik Eshimov.
The cast includes Kuandyk Shakhirzhanov (“Donor,” “Beshbarmak,” “Operation Golden Man”), Bakhyt Alipbayeva (“Kvartiranty,” “NVP agai”), Zhazira Erkin (“Taptim-au seni,” “Wrestler. Kazhymukan – World Champion”), Beksultan Pilal (“Patrol: The Last Order”), Azat Seitmetov (“Appak Kelin”), Beynur Baimukhambet (“Serzhan Bratan”), and others.
Production is handled by Astana Film Fund LLP, a well-known film company behind projects such as “Districts,” “Businessmen,” “Offline Vacation,” and “The Black, Black Man.” The distributor will be Ascar Cinema (Meloman Entertainment) — the leading film distributor in Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, and the official distributor of Walt Disney Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment in the region.
Tolqyn Film Fund, registered on the AIFC platform and managed by Dasco Capital Ltd., works exclusively with professional investors. This is the Fund’s third investment. Previously, Tolqyn invested in the horror film “Dastur 2” directed by Alisher Utev and the action movie “7 Karakshy” directed by Kuanish Beysek.
According to Darmen Sadvakassov, CEO of Dasco Capital:
“Each new investment by Tolqyn Film Fund is a contribution to the development of modern Kazakh cinema. We select stories aimed at strong box-office results that also raise socially significant themes. This is an example of how commercial cinema can have a positive impact on social processes. Such projects create a long-term foundation for the growth of the creative industry and strengthen audience trust in domestic films.”
Ernar Kurmashev, CEO of Tolqyn Film Fund, emphasized:
“‘Balalarga aitpa!’ raises a very important and relevant issue — internet fraud. Today, the digital world has become an integral part of our lives, and unfortunately, along with this, the number of cases where people — especially the older generation — fall victim to online scams has increased. We decided to tell this story through the lens of family — with humor, warmth, and love, because laughter is also a way to talk about serious things. In the film, viewers will see how an ordinary Kazakh family finds itself in a comical yet instructive situation and must find their way out together. Along the way, they realize that the most valuable things are understanding, trust, and mutual support.”
Tolqyn Film Fund is Kazakhstan’s first venture investment fund focused on financing the production of feature films and animation. The Fund’s assets are invested in a portfolio of Kazakh and international film projects with commercial potential, aiming to generate profit from film distribution and box-office revenues.
The fund’s project selection process consists of three main stages: collecting applications and forming a shortlist; reviewing shortlisted projects at Advisory Board meetings; and making final investment decisions by the Investment Committee. To date, following open pitching rounds and direct negotiations with creative teams, the Fund has received 102 applications from 12 countries, held four Advisory Board meetings, and continues to review new projects from Kazakhstan, Europe, Asia, and North America.
