FILM TALKS — NEW PROJECT FOR TEENAGERS IN CENTRAL ASIA

Together with IDEA Central Asia and in partnership with Teach for Kyrgyzstan, we are launching Film Talks — film-based lessons for school students in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and later other Central Asian countries. Designed for students aged 14–18, including those from socially vulnerable groups, each module pairs a short film with assignments linked to its themes and storyline. Lessons focus on issues relevant to teens — bullying, gender inequality, environmental challenges, independence and family dynamics, and more. The project creates a safe space where teenagers can develop critical thinking and empathy, explore social issues, and engage with their communities.

The first Film Talks series is built around short fiction and animated films created by Central Asian teenagers — participants of the Alternativa Teen Lab (“The Moon Shows the Way,” “Tomorrow There Will Be Snow,” “Next Stop”) and students of filmmaker and Alternativa Teen Lab curator Dante Rustav, Program Director of the Tashkent International Animation Festival (“Voices of the Mountains,” “Moments,” “Because I'm a Girl”).

Film Talks is open to school and college teachers in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan interested in contemporary educational formats. No prior experience with film lessons is required — the Film Talks team provides all materials and curator support. Teachers receive toolkits with lesson plans, guidelines, worksheets, and homework cards. A range of activities — individual and group work, discussions, reflections, and creative tasks — supports student engagement and self-expression.

In September, Alternativa and IDEA Central Asia launched an open call for the first Film Talks educators, receiving 89 applications from both major cities and rural areas in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. In early November, teachers from 40 schools completed training sessions in Almaty and Bishkek. By the end of the year, they will pilot the lessons in their classrooms, while the team gathers feedback to refine the program. In the first half of 2026, we aim to reach at least 1,000 teenagers across both countries, with further project expansion planned. 

If you are a teacher in Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan and would like to introduce Film Talks to your teenage students, fill out this short form and we will contact you when the next round of applications opens.