The documentary “Almaty? Is It OK to Live with Smog?”, directed by Kanat Beisekeyev, premiered in Almaty. The film was produced as part of the Almaty Air Initiative, a foundation working to improve air quality and the environmental situation in Almaty, with plans to expand its activities across Kazakhstan. The initiative was launched by Arsen Tomsky, founder of inDrive, and Kairat Akhmetov, co-founder of Sergek Group and CEO of Freedom Telecom. The film explores the problem of air pollution in Almaty and its serious consequences for residents’ health.

Before the screening, Arsen Tomsky, Kairat Akhmetov, Almaty Air Initiative Executive Director Zhuldyz Saulebekova, and the film’s director Kanat Beisekeyev addressed the audience.

The documentary “Almaty? Is It OK to Live with Smog?” poses the same question to ordinary residents, scientists, environmental experts, doctors, car owners, and the filmmakers themselves to understand how each of them perceives the city’s smog problem. Some point to the economic dimensions of the issue, while others believe the situation will only worsen and are considering moving away. For some, studying air quality has become part of their daily work in laboratories and through sensor monitoring, while others see nothing unusual in what is happening. Through the perspective of Kanat Beisekeyev and his film crew, the documentary shows how deeply air pollution has become woven into the everyday lives of Almaty residents.

 «We and our children all breathe the same air, and having the opportunity to live in a city with a clean environment is a basic right,” said Kanat Beisekeyev, reflecting on his experience. “Working on this project became a personal challenge for me. At first, it was disheartening to see scientists spending years trying to demonstrate the need for systemic solutions. But now I believe that through dialogue and collective effort, we can change the situation. We don’t want to leave because we love this city and want to help it develop.».  

The film draws on the findings of research conducted by the foundation in 2024. According to the data, 57% of Almaty residents say that air quality has deteriorated over the past several years, while 42% describe the air quality in their neighborhood as poor or very poor. One in six residents of the city has considered moving because of environmental conditions. These figures demonstrate the scale of the problem and the extent to which it is influencing people’s choices.

Zhuldyz Saulebekova, Executive Director of Almaty Air Initiative, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach:

«Air pollution, like other social challenges, requires political will, infrastructure changes, and public support. Our projects aim to accelerate these processes through technology, art, education and science, and cooperation with the government. The film demonstrates this approach: through art, we engage different stakeholders and initiate dialogue». 

Following the screening, the audience took part in a discussion with the filmmakers, environmental experts, and activists. The conversation marked an important step toward identifying solutions that can improve Almaty’s environmental situation and restore residents’ right to clean air.

Watch the film and share your thoughts on the issue.