Ermek Karimzhanovich Tursunov is a renowned Kazakh film director and screenwriter, born on July 20, 1961, in the settlement of Narynkol, Almaty Region. From a young age, he was drawn to sports, joining a sports school at the age of five and continuing his career at university, playing professional futsal and representing Kazakhstan's national futsal team in the 2000 World Cup in Guatemala.
Tursunov's academic background is equally impressive, with a degree in Journalism from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (1984) and a degree in Screenwriting and Film Studies from the All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography (1990).
In addition to his creative pursuits, Tursunov has been involved in various social and political movements, including the Nevada-Semey movement against nuclear testing in Kazakhstan, and has spent four years studying in the United States as an NGO member.
Tursunov's professional career has spanned multiple roles, including CEO of the national broadcasting corporation Qazaqstan, Executive Producer of Channel 31 TV and radio broadcasting company, and Chairman of the Kazakhstani Union of Filmmakers since 2018.
As a film director, Tursunov has made a significant impact, with his debut film "Kelin" being shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2008. His subsequent films, including "The Old Man" (2012) and "Stranger" (Zhat),have received numerous awards and nominations, including the Kulager Award for Best Film of the Year, the Nika Award for Best CIS and Baltic Movie, and the NETPAC Award in the 19th Black Nights Festival in Tallinn.
Tursunov's work has been recognized by the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, which has named him one of the best Asian film directors. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a commitment to his craft, his country, and his community, earning him a reputation as a master of sport, international class in futsal, and a respected figure in the Kazakh film industry.
