The Abay Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theater has prepared a documentary film dedicated to the 40-year creative journey of People's Artist of Kazakhstan, recipient of the "Құрмет" Order, Professor at the T. Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts, Artistic Director, and Chief Ballet Master of the Abay Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theater, Gulzhan Tutkibayeva.

Speaking about the 30th anniversary of Kazakhstan's independence, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized:
"In the next ten years, we must shape a new image of the country and a new identity of the nation.
The systemic modernization of the country that we are implementing today aims at consistently unlocking the potential of people in society, the economy, and culture."
In this context, the development of culture is a priority for the state, where cultural institutions and cultural figures play an essential role.

The creative life of Gulzhan Tutkibayeva is inextricably linked to the Almaty-based Abay Opera and Ballet Theater. In 1974, a young 10-year-old ballerina entered the Moscow State Academy of Choreography, where in 1982 she graduated with honors as a "Ballet Artist" and debuted on the stage of the legendary GATOB. Forty years have passed since then, but the daily routine of this ballet star remains unchanged. Gulzhan Usambekovna long ago transitioned from prima ballerina to a new level – she became a Teacher for new generations of dancers, a choreographer reviving the ballets of her masters and creating new productions. Gulzhan Tutkibayeva is the embodiment of Kazakh ballet, with its tradition of continuity, academicism, and national character.

In 2022, Gulzhan Tutkibayeva was invited as a jury member of the prestigious 14th International Ballet Artists Festival in Moscow, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of Yuri Grigorovich.

The documentary film will not only cover biographical facts and the significant creative achievements of Gulzhan Tutkibayeva but will also, through the lens of her artistic journey, shed light on the modern achievements of Kazakh ballet and theater. It will showcase the brightest representatives of choreographic art – teachers and students, renowned domestic colleagues, and world stars. Moreover, the film will feature memories of great stars of Kazakh ballet such as Bapov, Raibayev, and others, as well as revered masters like E. Malbekov and more.

Film Author: Journalist, Chair of the Foundation's Board of Trustees – Zarina Mukhamedali