Filmmaker Statement

Creating 'The Pencil' has been a deeply personal and fulfilling journey for me, both as a filmmaker, and as a partner in life with my wife, Madina, who also wrote and produced this film. Our shared passion for storytelling and art brought us together on this creative adventure, making it a true family project. We wanted to explore the idea that art, in its various forms, has the potential to solve problems, and express emotions beyond words. The unique pencil in the film represents a symbol of creativity that holds both promise and peril. Throughout the filmmaking process, my team and I were determined to create a visually captivating experience that transports the audience into Sara's world. We embraced the challenge of seamlessly blending reality with fantasy, as Sara's drawings come to life through the magical pencil. Moreover, the film delves into the rich unexplored folklore of Kazakh legends, infusing a sense of mystique and darkness into the narrative. Zheztyrnaq, the d