Almaty native, Sania Asembek, making a global impact at international film festivals
Fresh Take:
Groundbreaking Motion Designer, Saniya Asembek, Strikes the International Stage with Stunning Animated Film
The technological and digital art landscape is bursting with creative youth from all corners, and Kazakhstan is no exception. One standout talent hailing from Almaty is Saniya Asembek, a motion designer who parlayed a Bolashak scholarship into a global career in top-tier animation schools. Saniya's unique artistic flair, innate talent, and ambitious drive have enabled her to redefine Kazakh art for the modern era and carve out a niche as an autonomous creator.
In the realm of digital storytelling, where visual art is fast becoming a universal medium for expressing emotions, Saniya Asembek has risen as a trailblazer in the burgeoning animation scene. Her short film, "Soundtrack Your Life," showcases technical finesse, deep personal expression, and universal themes that resonate with a diverse global audience. The film masterfully combines 2D and 3D animation to demonstrate the transformative power of music, translating even mundane existence into a magical, beautiful experience.
"With 'Soundtrack Your Life,' my goal was to demonstrate how music and art can transform a monotonous day into something truly extraordinary," Saniya explains. "It was crucial to preserve honesty, individuality, and cultural identity while crafting a story that would resonate with viewers from all walks of life."
"Soundtrack Your Life" was hailed at various prestigious international film festivals, earning accolades from both audiences and professionals alike. Some of these festivals include:
Awards:
- Oniros Film Awards (New York, USA) - Best Animation, making it one of the most reputable 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, acknowledging both the 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) - nomination as a finalist.
- ORION IFF International Film Festival - nomination as a finalist.
- Golden Short Film Festival - screening participation.
- Sunscreen Film Festival (Florida, USA) - screening participation.
- CTAF - Crazy Talented Asians & Friends (New York, USA) - screening participation in the animation category.
- Short Shot Fest (Russia) - screening participation.
- Lift-Off Filmmaker Sessions (UK) - screening participation as part of the global Lift-Off network.
- New Filmmakers NY (USA) - screening participation in New York.
These accomplishments highlight the prestigious recognition Saniya has received within the industry, as well as her contributions to the growth of original animation and visual storytelling. Saniya was involved in every facet of the film's creation, from visual development and animation to narrative structure and post-production. Yet, "Soundtrack Your Life" transcends being just a film; it represents an opportunity for Kazakh motion design to captivate international audiences.
Currently residing in New York, Saniya continues to push boundaries in digital art, education, and visual communication.Her mission remains steadfast - to utilize animation to forge emotional bonds, create educational resources, and foster cultural dialogue.
"Kazakhstan has countless stories waiting to be told," Saniya points out. "My art serves as a way to show that we are not merely consumers of global media content, but also its creators."
Thanks to the film, mentoring endeavors, and innovative leadership, Saniya ASEM paves the way for the future of motion design and redefines the image of a Kazakh artist in the digital era.
Saniya Asembek's animated film, "Soundtrack Your Life," demonstrates the intersection of technology and lifestyle, showcasing the transformative power of music in reshaping day-to-day experiences. As a groundbreaking motion designer, Saniya Asembek's work redefines the Kazakh art scene in the modern era, highlighting the potential for digital storytelling to transcend cultural boundaries.
