olqyn Film Fund has announced an open competition for film projects from creators across Central Asia, DKNews.kz reports.
Applications will be accepted until May 30, 2026. The strongest projects will receive an opportunity to attract investment from the region’s first venture film fund and move into real production.
First venture film fund in the region
Tolqyn Film Fund OEIC Ltd. operates under the management of DASCO Capital and is registered at the Astana International Financial Centre.
This structure is designed to provide a transparent and modern investment model for the film industry.
The fund invests in projects at the completed script stage, supports them through market release, and focuses on commercial returns through:
- theatrical release
- streaming platforms
- international sales
So far, the fund has already invested in five films and is building its own content portfolio.
Its first film, Dästür: Teris Bata, was released not only in Kazakhstan, but also in:
- Kyrgyzstan
- Uzbekistan
- Tajikistan
- Russia
Up to 20 films planned by 2028
The fund plans to invest in up to 20 films by the summer of 2028.
The future slate is expected to include projects developed not only by Kazakh teams, but also by creators from across the wider region.
This signals a broader ambition to build a cross-border Central Asian film market.
What projects can apply
The competition is open to:
- feature films
- animated films
Minimum runtime must be 75 minutes or longer.
Applicants are required to submit a basic package including:
- completed screenplay
- project financial model
- presentation of the film and team
- marketing strategy
- distribution plan
Three-stage selection process
Projects will be selected in three rounds.
Stage one:
- shortlist of projects with commercial potential
Stage two:
- teams pitch projects before the Advisory Board
Final stage:
- best projects submitted to the Investment Committee for final funding decisions
This process combines creative evaluation with business discipline.
DASCO Capital sees major regional potential
CEO of DASCO Capital Darmen Sadvakassov said the cinema market of Central Asia has strong growth prospects.
“We see enormous potential in the development of theatrical distribution not only in Kazakhstan, but across all of Central Asia. A combined market of 80 million people with a predominantly young audience is capable of generating significant box office revenues. As an institutional player, we are interested in considering investments not only in Kazakh projects, but also in films from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Already today, based on individual cases, we can see that Central Asia can function as a single theatrical market.”
Vision of a Central Asian Hollywood
Fund head and producer Ernar Kurmashev described the initiative as a long-term industry mission.
“We have everything needed to build a strong regional film industry: similar culture, language, mentality, and a huge layer of stories. I believe the peoples of Central Asia are highly cinematic and talented. Combined with new technologies, this gives a real chance to build a Central Asian Hollywood — with its own heroes, meanings, and market.”
Why this matters
The launch of a regional film investment fund is unusual for Central Asia, where cinema has often depended on state grants or private producers.
If successful, the initiative could help create:
- more commercially viable films
- stronger regional co-productions
- jobs in creative industries
- exportable entertainment content
- a shared Central Asian media market
It may also help turn local stories into internationally marketable films.
Key deadline
Applications will be accepted until May 30, 2026. Please submit applications by email to: tolqyn@dasco.kz . For inquiries, contact us at: +7 701 352 44 65.
The competition rules are available on the website: dasco.kz.
