QARA Studios Announces Strategic Expansion: Nargiz Shukenova Takes the Helm
QARA Studios, a creative studio and cultural institution developing projects at the intersection of music, film, and creative industries, announces the appointment of Nargiz Shukenova as CEO. This move marks a new chapter for QARA, strengthening its position as a key platform for creating and exporting Kazakhstan's cultural code.
The QARA-Shukenova alliance combines the studio's powerful visual aesthetics — crafted by founder Aisultan Seitov — with deep cultural and research expertise.
Prior to joining QARA, Nargiz Shukenova established herself as one of Kazakhstan's leading cultural managers. She headed the Batyrkhan Shukenov Foundation, launching the BATYR LAB music residency, along with publishing and educational initiatives. She also co-founded the independent film festival Clique Fest, introducing dozens of auteur filmmakers to Kazakh audiences.
"It's an honor to lead a studio behind such pivotal cultural projects — I'm their biggest fan. My plans include preserving what's been built while expanding into new areas, especially publishing and heritage. I see QARA as an influential institution with a strong visual language grounded in profound meaning", — Nargiz Shukenova, CEO of QARA Studios
QARA Studios is renowned for its auteur projects and established cultural universes. Its ecosystem includes OYU Live — a YouTube music project uniting artists across Central Asia and spotlighting emerging talent; OYU Fest — a festival of Kazakh music; and QARA Forum—a platform for exchanging personal and professional insights in the creative industries among global and Kazakh experts.
Shukenova's arrival significantly bolsters QARA in two key areas:
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Meaningful Storytelling – Her research and archival experience will enable scripts with rich historical and cultural depth.
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Global Expansion – Her festival and international background will help QARA projects thrive on European and American film markets.
"I'm thrilled to embark on QARA's next chapter with Nargiz — one of our industry's brightest and boldest professionals", — Aisultan Seitov, Founder of QARA Studios