Umirzak Shmanov
Art
Known For

A staggering historical epic about the intrigue and turmoil of the East Asian civilization of Otrar, before its systematic destruction at the hands of Genghis Khan.
The Fall of Otrar

Beginning of the Great Patriotic War. Lieutenant Adi Sharipov, together with his platoon, cover the retreat of the regimental headquarters and remain surrounded, behind enemy lines. The enemy drives the squad into the swamp. Fear of the unknown, despondency and doubt haunt the fighters until they realize that waiting and inaction will destroy the squad faster than enemy bullets.
Summer of 1941

A lawyer defends a wealthy woman accused of murder. She claims it was self-defense. The lawyer is not sure.
Change of Fate

A story about two friends-pilots who despite of having a bit of trouble with luck don't give up on hope & optimism.
Ompa

An epic drama about the life, love and creativity of the Kazakh poet Abai (1845-1904), an educator, thinker and politician of the 19th century.
Abai

Blonde Lilia and brunette Violetta are fascinated by horse racing, and the young racers are more than a little attracted to them, too. However, the worlds of sporting and romance don't always coexist peacefully as the two girls learn the hard way through a series of touching, surreal, and sometimes heartbreaking encounters. One of the most beautifully photographed Russian films in recent years, this acclaimed modern classic was hailed at numerous film festivals including the Berlin Film Festival and Russia's Kinotavr Festival, where it won the Jury and Critics Prizes. Amazon
Passions

Mels, a middle-aged introvert, works as a surgeon in a provincial town hospital and is one of the best in his field. The gray and boring life of a doctor changes when he meets a mysterious person. She, in his opinion, spiritualized and sublime, in life turns out to be an ordinary girl with her own problems and "skeletons in the closet."
Surgeon

The story of how two lonely people met — a student Sanzhar, hiding from the authorities after student unrest, and baba Zina, who sheltered him in the house where she has been living since 1937.
The Running Target
featuring interviews with director Ardak Amirkulov, actor Tungyshbai Dzhamankulov, production designer Umirzak Shmanov, and film journalist Gulnara Abikeyeva
The Making of “The Fall of Otrar”

The villain plans to attack peaceful settlers. His first target is a child. As the arrow flies, the boy's entire life flashes before his eyes.