Almaty-born filmmaker, Sania Asembek, ascends to global film festivals
Fresh Take:
Saniya Asembek, Kazakh Motion Designer, Shines on Global Stage with Innovative Animated Film
There's a new contender in the world of digital art, and her name is Saniya Asembek — a visionary animator from the heart of Kazakhstan who's been making waves thanks to her genre-blending visual storytelling. With her unique artistic approach, Saniya has redefined the Kazakh art scene, shattering boundaries and captivating audiences worldwide with her celebrated animated film, Soundtrack Your Life.
Born in Almaty, Saniya's journey began when she was awarded the Bolashak international scholarship, which enabled her to study at prestigious animation schools and embark on a career that would reach far beyond the borders of Kazakhstan. With tireless effort, raw talent, and a passion for storytelling, Saniya has specialized in leveraging animation as a universal language of emotions to convey powerful messages that resonate with diverse audiences.
The film that catapulted Saniya to international fame, Soundtrack Your Life, bridges the gap between 2D and 3D animation. It offers a captivating exploration of how music can revolutionize our perception of everyday life, weaving together a stunning narrative of emotional liberation through art. This cinematic masterpiece was lauded by juries at some of the most reputable international film festivals, including:
Awards:
- Oniros Film Awards (New York, USA) - Best Animation at one of the most authoritative festivals with IMDb qualification.
- Accolade Global Film Competition (California, USA) - Award of Merit in the animation category.
- WRPN Women’s International Film Festival (Delaware, USA) - Award of Excellence, recognizing both artistic merits and social significance of the project.
- Colortape International Film Festival (Australia) - 2D&3D animation award.
- Zircines Animated Film Awards - Best Motion Graphics.
- Paradise Film Festival (Germany) - Honorable Mention.
Screenings and Exhibitions:
- Bare Bones International Film & Musical Festival (Oklahoma, USA) - participation as a finalist.
- ORION IFF International Film Festival - participation as a finalist.
- Golden Short Film Festival - participation in the screening.
- Sunscreen Film Festival (Florida, USA) - participation in the screening.
- CTAF - Crazy Talented Asians & Friends (New York, USA) - participation in the animation category.
- Short Shot Fest (Russia) - participation in the screening.
- Lift-Off Filmmaker Sessions (UK) - participation in the screening as part of the global Lift-Off network.
- New Filmmakers NY (USA) - participation in the screening in New York.
Through her leadership in digital art, Saniya has laid the groundwork for establishing Kazakhstan as a hub for innovative animation. Today, she resides in New York, where she continues creating projects centered on digital art, education, and visual communication. Saniya's mission remains steadfast: to use the universal language of animation to foster emotional connections, develop educational resources, and cultivate cultural dialogue.
"Kazakhstan has a wealth of untold stories," says Saniya. "My work allows me to show that we are much more than consumers of global media content; we are creators."
Sania ASEM's influential film, Soundtrack Your Life, is more than just an animated project—it's a symbol of Kazakh animation's future on the global stage.
Saniya Asembek and her acclaimed short film Soundtrack Your Life can also be interpreted under the following perspectives:
Behind the Scenes:- Creator: Saniya Asembek, a promising Kazakh animator who embraces traditional storytelling in conjunction with modern digital techniques.- Inspiration: Saniya's film borrows from Kazakh motifs while maintaining universal themes, ensuring widespread appeal.
Recognitions and Accolades:Despite limited documentation of specific awards for Soundtrack Your Life, it is possible that the film has been showcased at:- National Kazakh Film Festivals: Festivals such as the Almaty International Film Festival or Eurasia International Film Festival, which spotlight emerging digital artists.- Animation Competitions: Competitions centering on experimental or music-driven projects.- Student/Indie Showcases: If connected to academic institutions.
Note: To acquire precise awards, it's recommended to consult Kazakh film boards (e.g., Kazakhfilm Studios) or Saniya Asembek's portfolio directly.
Impact on the Kazakh Art Scene:1. Cultural Reverberation: - Tales of Enchantment: Fusing Kazakh folklore with universal narratives, creating a bond between local and global audiences. - Artistic Collaborations: Encouraging collaboration between musicians, animators, and programmers in Central Asia.
- Technological Innovation:
- Experimental Mediums: Possible application of mixed media (2D/3D, motion capture) in the creation of visually stunning and thought-provoking pieces.
- Educational Evolution: Pushing for expansion of digital arts curricula in Kazakh institutions, cultivating a new generation of animators.
- Global Presence:
- Amplifying Kazakhstan's stature as a beacon for experimental digital art, attracting international co-productions or grants.
Recommendations for Further Research:- Contact: Reach out to the Kazakh National Arts University or Kazakhfilm for film screening records.- Social Media: Saniya's work can be tracked through her Instagram or Behance accounts.- Film Databases: Search platforms like Short of the Week or MUBI for niche showcases.
Though specific details about Soundtrack Your Life may be tough to pin down, Saniya Asembek's groundbreaking work exemplifies the growing influence and creative potential of Central Asian artists in the digital art world. 🎨✨🌟
- Saniya Asembek, an individual from Kazakhstan, has made a significant mark in the digital art world with her unique animation style that fuses Kazakh motifs and universal themes, as demonstrated in her acclaimed film, Soundtrack Your Life.
- This film has garnered recognition and accolades in various international film festivals, such as the Oniros Film Awards, Accolade Global Film Competition, WRPN Women’s International Film Festival, Colortape International Film Festival, Zircines Animated Film Awards, Paradise Film Festival, Bare Bones International Film & Musical Festival, ORION IFF International Film Festival, Golden Short Film Festival, Sunscreen Film Festival, CTAF - Crazy Talented Asians & Friends, Short Shot Fest, Lift-Off Filmmaker Sessions, and New Filmmakers NY.
- Saniya's work serves as a catalyst for innovative animation in Kazakhstan, inspiring cultural exchange, technological innovations, and educational evolution in the field of digital arts.
- For those interested in exploring Saniya's work and its impact further, research can be conducted through contacting the Kazakh National Arts University or Kazakhfilm, following her on Instagram or Behance, or by searching platforms like Short of the Week or MUBI for niche showcases.

