Abdel Yelyubayev, also known professionally as Abdel Fiftybayev, is a filmmaker, producer and the Founder and Festival Director of Almaty Indie Film Festival.
As Festival Director, he oversees AIFF’s artistic direction and overall strategy, including programming, filmmaker relations, jury development, partnerships, live events and the development of its international programme.
Professional background
Working in independent cinema, Yelyubayev created AIFF as a platform for filmmakers working outside traditional studio and institutional systems, with a particular interest in distinctive voices, emerging filmmakers and work with a clear point of view.
History with AIFF
Previous in-person editions in Almaty brought together international and Kazakhstani films alongside screenings, talks, workshops and community events. The 2020 and 2021 editions took place online. Following a hiatus, AIFF returns on 14–16 January 2027 in a hybrid format, combining online programming with selected in-person screenings and industry events in Almaty.
AIFF / 2027
Director’s statement
Independent filmmakers often create their strongest work without the resources, access or institutional support available to larger productions. AIFF was created to give those filmmakers another place where the work itself comes first.
For me, the festival is not only about screening films or presenting awards. It is about bringing filmmakers, audiences and people working in cinema into the same space — to discover new work, exchange ideas and build relationships.
Almaty has a growing creative community and a unique position between different cinematic cultures. I want AIFF to use that position to connect filmmakers from Kazakhstan and Central Asia with independent voices from around the world.
Our goal is to find films with a clear point of view, give them an audience, and create a festival environment where filmmakers want to participate.