Medet Shayakhmetov named among 25 Instagram Rings 2026 winners
The Kazakh director has been recognised for creative courage. We look at the award and the career behind it, from music videos and Kazakh television to international collaborations.
Kazakh director Medet Shayakhmetov is among the 25 recipients of Instagram Rings 2026. Instagram published the official winners’ list on October 29, recognising creators whose experiments with form contribute to contemporary culture.
Recognising an individual creative voice
Launched in 2025, Rings recognises creative practice rather than awarding an individual film at a festival. Its scope extends across directing, photography, music, design and other disciplines, with an emphasis on taking creative chances.
Judges nominated creators and voted to select the winners. The 2026 panel included filmmaker Chloé Zhao, Donatella Versace, A$AP Rocky and FINNEAS. Each winner is to receive a physical ring designed by Emily Adams Bode Aujla, featuring a four-leaf clover cut from Connemara marble.
From design to directing
A December 2015 profile by New York Film Academy traces an earlier stage of Shayakhmetov’s career. He initially wanted to pursue design; an invitation to help make a birthday video while at school sparked his interest in filmmaking.
He was already making music videos and commercials before enrolling at NYFA. A scholarship from the Saby Charitable Foundation enabled him to study in the United States, where he developed his understanding of film production and teamwork.
While still a student, he directed the comedy television project Q-елі for Kazakhstan’s Channel Seven. NYFA reported that the production involved a cast and more than 50 extras — experience that extended well beyond short music videos.
Where to start watching
His own Vimeo portfolio offers a useful introduction: Scriptonite’s Vecherinka, Pohvastatsya and Kolesa sit alongside ZOLOTO’s Crickets and Suzuki / Director’s Cut. Together, they provide a starting point for exploring his work across music and advertising.
Later entries include Ken Carson’s Succubus, Kali Uchis’ Obsesión Summer ’22 and Gucci Mane’s Voices | Psycho. These collaborations give a broader picture of his practice than any single award announcement can.
Local roots, international practice
Instagram describes Shayakhmetov as a New York-based director and creative lead of PBC Worldwide. Its profile identifies Kazakhstan’s graffiti and street culture, alongside digital design, internet culture and cinema, as influences on his experimental approach.
For our editorial team, this trajectory is the most interesting part of the story: experience on a local scene can become part of an individual visual language abroad. The award is an invitation to revisit the work and follow how that language develops.
Sources
Instagram for Creators — официальное объявление Rings 2026
New York Film Academy — материал о Медете Шаяхметове, 2015
