As part of the “Aktau – Cultural Capital of the Turkic World” program, the URKER International Animated Film Festival was held in Kazakhstan.

The animated film “Nargiz” by Azerbaijani director Masud Panahi was screened in the main competition section of the festival and received the TURKSOY Special Award by decision of the jury.

TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev presented the award to Rashid Aghamaliyev, producer of “Nargiz” and Chairman of the Azerbaijan Animation Association. The film was honored for its outstanding contribution to the cultural heritage and artistic expression of the Turkic world.

Another animated film, “Hadis,” directed by Nazrin Aghamaliyeva, was also showcased at the festival.

Held from August 5 to 8, the festival was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Akimat of the Mangystau Region. Its main objective was to promote the legacy of Kazakh scholar and mythologist Serikbol Kondybay (1968–2004) and to bring together animation artists from across the Turkic world.