Back “Almaty? OK to Live with Smog?”
On November 27, filmmaker Kanat Beisekeyev premiered his new documentary about smog in Almaty.
The issue of air pollution in Almaty has long evolved from an environmental concern into a social challenge that affects every resident. Smog impacts health, quality of life, and even the city’s future.
Kanat Beisekeyev’s new film “Almaty? OK to Live with Smog?” highlights this pressing issue, drawing attention from scientists, activists, government institutions, and citizens alike.
The Film and Its Importance
The film was produced as part of the Almaty Air Initiative (AAI) and became the first large-scale project to address air pollution comprehensively — from its causes to potential solutions.
“The air problem requires a complex approach — from political will to the participation of every resident. We believe that through joint efforts, we can change the situation.” — Zhuldyz Saulebekova, Executive Director of AAI
Premieres and Public Response
The premiere of “Almaty? OK to Live with Smog?” was not limited to Almaty. Special screenings were also held in Astana, attended by representatives of government, business, science, and civil organizations.
In Almaty, the event became one of the most significant gatherings of the year for environmentalists and activists.
Among the attendees were the founders of the Almaty Air Initiative, Arsen Tomsky and Kairat Akhmetov, as well as the film’s director Kanat Beisekeyev, who shared their thoughts and ideas on solving the air pollution problem.
Almaty and Smog: The Scale of the Problem
Almaty is a megacity with unique geography that intensifies its air pollution issues.
Located in a mountain basin with limited natural ventilation, the city faces growing emissions from transport, industry, and construction.
According to AAI’s research, 57% of Almaty residents have noticed a decline in air quality in recent years, and 42% rate the environmental situation in their districts as poor or very poor. Every sixth resident is considering relocation — a serious signal for authorities, business, and society.
What Is the Film About?
“Almaty? OK to Live with Smog?” is not just an investigation — it is an attempt to answer key questions:
- How does smog affect the health and daily lives of citizens?
- Why is systemic cooperation between government, business, and society essential?
- What can each of us do to improve the environment?
The Film’s Structure
- Sources of Pollution.
The main contributors — transport, industry, and heating systems — are analyzed for their role in overall emissions. - Health Impacts.
Medical and chemical experts discuss the effects of smog on human health, including the rise in respiratory diseases. - People Who Change the System.
The film showcases activists, scientists, and entrepreneurs joining forces for clean air.
Who Is Behind the Initiative?
The film was created by the Almaty Air Initiative Foundation, founded by Arsen Tomsky (CEO of inDrive) and Kairat Akhmetov (Co-Founder of Sergek Group and CEO of Freedom Telecom).
The Foundation focuses on:
- Research and environmental monitoring;
- Developing solutions to reduce pollution levels;
- Raising public awareness through art, science, and technology.
Why Is This Film Important?
The film stands out for its broad and inclusive audience, featuring:
- Experts: chemists, doctors, architects, and urbanists;
- Activists: journalists and environmentalists working daily for clean air;
- Citizens: those facing the issue firsthand;
- Officials: those able to make systemic decisions.
“Working on this project was a personal challenge for me. But I believe that through dialogue and the effort of each of us, we can make a difference.”
— Kanat Beisekeyev, Film Director
What Can We Do?
The film emphasizes that the fight for clean air is not only the responsibility of governments or businesses — it is everyone’s responsibility:
- Support environmental initiatives;
- Switch to cleaner modes of transportation;
- Educate yourself and others about air pollution.
The documentary is available online — serving not only as a source of knowledge but also as a platform for dialogue. After the premiere, audiences discussed the issue with the film’s creators, ecologists, and activists, offering their ideas and solutions.
Join the initiative, share your opinion, and stand with us for your right to breathe clean air!