Russian authorities have censored scenes from a biographical film about the renowned writer Chinghiz Aitmatov. Specifically, Moscow decided to cut scenes depicting the political persecution suffered by the writer’s father.
Torekul Aitmatov, the writer’s father, was executed by the authorities during the Stalinist purges. Film critic Dmitri Mostovoi believes that Russia’s decision to censor scenes from the film is also delaying its premiere in Kazakhstan.
The film’s release was backed by Kazakh President Tokayev, and it was scheduled to open in cinemas on November 12. A few days ago, an announcement on the film’s official page stated that its premiere in Kazakhstan had been postponed. A subsequent update clarified that the film would hit the big screen on December 3.
No official explanation has been given for the postponement. Kazakh media report that director Kanabek Kalmatov left just one comment on posts about the change in the premiere date: “We’ll make it happen.”
In Kyrgyzstan, the homeland of Chinghiz Aitmatov, the film premiered in October, followed by Russia on November 4. Although some suggest that the delay may be due to the worldwide release of Hollywood films, the film could reach cinemas in Kazakhstan later than in the UK and the EU.
For instance, the film premiered in Warsaw on November 6, while screenings in London will begin on November 30.