A Conversation with Filmmaking Alum, Zhumatai Ahmetan, finalist of the Republican Mobilography Festival

20 finalists of the Republican Mobilography Festival were awarded the opportunity to hone their skills at the New York Film Academy LA campus. The program was coordinated in conjunction with the Dara Qory organization. Students traveled to LA from Kazakhstan and had the opportunity to participate in NYFA's 1 Week Filmmaking Workshop. During the workshop, each student made a film and participated in classes. 

One of those students and finalists was actor Zhumatai Ahmetan. Zhumatai provided his voice for the Kazah release of the hit movie "Black Panther." He's also a concert hall soloist. The workshop wrapped with a final screening ceremony where Zhumatai preformed a heartfelt song. 

NYFA Alumni Network spoke to Zhumatai about his experience coming to NYFA, and his career as an actor in his homeland, Kazakhstan. 

NYFA Alumni Network: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, where you're from, and what brought you to New York Film Academy?

Z. A: My name is Zhumatai. I am 30 years old, and by nationality I am Kazakh. I come from the village of Torgai in the Kostanay region. I studied acting and am a working theater actor and a concert hall soloist. An artist of musical theater.  In my last theater role I played Lenin. I also do voice acting for movies and cartoons. 

I came to NYFA as part of the Republican Mobilography competition where I was one of the winners selected to travel to LA and participate in the workshop. 

NYFA Alumni Network: Tell us about some of the projects and accomplishments you've had as an actor in your homeland, Kazakhstan?

Z. A: I star in TV series, sitcoms. Plus, my team and I make short films and participate in film festivals. Some of the projects I've worked on include  the TV series: “Contemporaries” (TV channel “Qazaqstan”), “Trainee” (Khabar TV channel), “Love in Japanese” (TV channel “TVC”, Moscow), "Boztorgai" Season 2 (Khabar TV channel), the sitcom “Only Girls” (Channel 7), and the web series "Alas” (Salem social media).

I've also worked on the short films “Holy water” (Salem social media), “Fiasco”, “Unknown Warrior”,  “Faith”, the 48 hr projects “Kora”, “Fanatic”, as well as a short film about soccer “Long Shot”.

NYFA Alumni Network: What was your experience like visiting Los Angeles and taking the 1 Week Filmmaking Workshop at NYFA?  

Z. A:  I learned a lot about professional filmmaking and the right ways to approach your film project.

NYFA Alumni Network: You borrowed your voice for the Kazakh version of "Black Panther". How did you get involved in the project?

Z. A: I went to the casting in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, where I auditioned and got the part. I dubbed the voice of the main actor in “Black Panther” for the Kazah release of the film. When the world lost such a cool actor as Chadwick Boseman, I was hurt deeply, because I love this character. If I ever walk on the red carpet in Hollywood, my dream is to go on stage to the soundtrack of "Black Panther".

NYFA Alumni Network: During the NYFA workshop you had the chance to work on a short film at the Universal Studios backlot. What was that experience like? What did you learn at NYFA that you applied directly to this project?

Z. A: It was a great experience. I repeat, NYFA instills professionalism when working on any project. Shooting your movie at a famous studio was a bliss. I'm a simple guy. I grew up in a village, and my parents are simple people, so it's exciting for us when I get these type of opportunities.

Check Out Some of Zhumatai's work: 

"Boztorgai" Season 2 (Сериал “Бозторгай 2 сезон)

Web series “Alas” (Веб Сериал “Алас”)

Voiceover for cartoon

Scene from a sitcom

NYFA Alumni Network congratulates Zhumatai on all his success!