In this captivating interview, Adilkhan Yerzhanov, the rising Kazakh director, shares his unique approach to cinema. Defining himself as a creative chemist, he discusses his way of experimenting with various artistic elements to bring his visions to life. Through his reflections, Yerzhanov reveals the power of art as a means of expression and exploration of the darkness of human existence.
In this interview, the Kazakh director Adilkhan Yerzhanov shares his unique perspective on cinema. From a journey through his influences to his working methods, he describes how he approaches the creative process with the curiosity of a chemist, blending various narrative registers to realize his projects. His films reflect a journey enriched by personal experiences and a critical view of the world. Attention, cinematic journey on the horizon!
The relationship with film festivals
Adilkhan Yerzhanov recalls his first experience at a festival. In 2016, he presented his film The Plague in the Village of Karatas. It was a key moment. His feeling of pride, mixed with astonishment, accompanies him. He remembers the varied reactions to the film. For him, being selected represents a great opportunity.
He perceives the festival as a phenomenon. A platform for exchanges, discussions, where cinema enthusiasts meet to explore rare works. These encounters go beyond simple screenings. They give birth to new collaborations. For him, it’s a vibrant scene, a community that believes and engages.
His approach to cinematic creation
Yerzhanov defines himself as a prolific filmmaker. His pace? About two films a year, all with narrative depth. His working method is marked by a mix of anxiety and perfectionism. He creates multiple versions of his scripts, sometimes up to thirty. This process often leads to a significant creative transition.
- Paranoia: He always feels the need to improve his work.
- Feedback: The involvement of actors is crucial in his process.
Adilkhan likes to say that his script evolves until the last minute.
Film references and influences
He passionately mentions Takeshi Kitano, whose early films profoundly impacted him. In early adolescence, he discovers a cinema that mixes black humor and brutal emotion. Kitano has become one of his mentors, even without having met him. For him, each film is an exploration of humanity.
The influences go beyond the Asian sphere. He also admires the work of Michael Mann. Their stories, such as Heat, resonate in his own creation. His cinematic vision is enriched by the encounter of these two universes. This is the importance of these figures. They allow him to refine his unique style.
A look at the political situation
The recent political climate in Kazakhstan has a palpable influence on his work. Events like the coup d’état of 2022 have personally affected him. Each film he makes becomes a mirror of his feelings. Steppenwolf is a poignant illustration of these concerns. Violence, the absence of peace, all of this permeates his narrative.
His latest film Cadet addresses these themes through the prism of horror cinema. A genre he chooses because it allows him to explore contemporary fears. Not just as entertainment but as a vector for reflection on the state of the world.
Folklore and geographical anchoring
In his works, another dimension emerges: that of Kazakh folklore. Karatas, his imaginary city, becomes fertile ground for narrative innovation. He specifies that this city is not just a backdrop but also a philosophy. By situating his stories in a fictional world, he frees himself from the constraints of “real” references.
He points out that Karatas allows him to address social themes without disguise. Cruelty or social reality is at the center. Three essential elements define his productions:
- The honest representation of daily life.
- The blending of genres and influences.
- Stories grounded in reality, leading to reflection on society.
An exploration of humanity through the lens of his stories
Adilkhan Yerzhanov transforms personal narratives into cinematic universes. Each character carries a part of humanity. This is the intention behind his aesthetic. An exploration of human experience within a complex world. The fears, hopes, and struggles of the protagonists resonate with the audience.
This interview with the filmmaker reveals a passion and commitment to his art. Beyond simple images, he weaves rich narratives. His role, as he emphasizes, is that of an artist seeking to capture the essence of human emotions on film. A true chemist of creation!
Creativity at the heart of Adilkhan Yerzhanov’s work
In a constantly evolving cinematic universe, Adilkhan Yerzhanov’s work stands out for its unique approach. By describing himself as a “creative chemist”, he highlights his relentless quest for experimentation, venturing off the beaten path to merge different styles and genres. For him, cinema is not just a consumable art but a laboratory of ideas where each film is an alchemy of the abstract and the concrete, of emotions and narratives.
Yerzhanov speaks of a rigorous method, marked by paranoia: the fear that the final result may not meet his aspirations. With his multiple versions of scripts and a meticulous writing process, he forges narratives that, while addressing dark and complex themes, resonate with the audience. Each film thus becomes a shared experience, a journey where the viewer is invited to dive into reflections on the human condition and the absurdity of life.
The literary and cinematic influences he mentions draw a parallel between his work and the challenges of the contemporary world. The political turmoil of his country, whether through horrific tales or psychological dramas, testifies to this profound reflection on what surrounds us. By incorporating these elements, Yerzhanov establishes a direct link between his art and the sociopolitical reality, making his films not only works of art but also necessary commentaries on our time.
In summary, Adilkhan Yerzhanov does not merely tell stories; he creates universes, defying conventions and inviting a continuous exploration of human emotions through the lens of his imagination. His artisanal approach to cinema makes him a filmmaker to watch closely as he continues to innovate and redefine the boundaries of cinematic art.
