The production team behind the docudrama Shokan has commenced a new phase of filming in Astana and its surrounding areas, El.kz reports citing the Dara Presidential Initiatives Foundation.
One of the filming locations is the Astana Opera theatre, where ballroom scenes were shot to recreate the atmosphere of 19th-century high society.
Approximately 100 extras participated in the crowd scenes. Period costumes and historically accurate set designs were prepared specifically for the production.
Part of the filming is taking place in the Taitobe Canyons, where the production team is recreating episodes from Shoqan Ualihanov’s Kashgar Expedition, including a caravan journey and an encampment scene.
The lead role is performed by young actor Yerlan Kulmurzin, who was selected through an open online casting process conducted nationwide among residents of Kazakhstan.
The cast also includes Meruyert Utekesheva, Bakhtiyar Kozha, Tolepbergen Baisakalov, and Saltanat Bakayeva. Details of their respective roles have not yet been disclosed.
The next stage of filming is scheduled to take place at the Aiganym estate in the Syrymbet tract. Production will then continue in Altyn-Emel National Park, where the scholar’s burial site is located.
The film combines dramatized scenes, documentary footage, and historical reenactments. The project, dedicated to the life and scholarly legacy of Shokan Ualikhanov, was conceived by journalist and documentary filmmaker Maya Bekbayeva.
