Daily Inspiration: Meet Assel Omirserik

Today we’d like to introduce you to Assel Omirserik

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into filmmaking started with a deep love for storytelling. Growing up in Kazakhstan, I was always drawn to films that could transport audiences, evoke emotions, and provoke thought. This passion led me to pursue filmmaking academically and professionally, eventually taking me to the New York Film Academy, where I honed my craft and developed a global perspective on cinema.

After gaining experience as a director and producer, I returned to Kazakhstan with a mission—to help shape the next generation of filmmakers. I became Head of the Filmmaking Department at the Kazakh National University of Arts, where I mentor young directors and integrate international best practices into our curriculum.

One of the things I’m most proud of is fostering collaborations between our students and international filmmakers. We’ve hosted masterclasses and projects with film schools from France, Estonia, China, and Japan, giving students invaluable hands-on experience. Recently, our students won an award for Best Animated Film at a festival in Moscow, which was a proud moment for our department.

Right now, we are actively working on modernizing the film study system at our university. Our goal is to make film education more dynamic, incorporating new technologies, global industry trends, and practical experience to better prepare students for the evolving film landscape.

For me, filmmaking is more than an art form—it’s a powerful tool for storytelling, cultural exchange, and change. My focus has always been on craftsmanship over fame, and I encourage my students to do the same. The journey has been challenging, but every step has reinforced my belief in the power of persistence, hard work, and creative vision.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No meaningful journey is ever a smooth road, and filmmaking is no exception. There have been many challenges along the way, but each one has shaped me into the filmmaker and educator I am today.

One of the biggest struggles was breaking into the industry as a Kazakh filmmaker on an international level. Coming from a region with a developing film market, it wasn’t always easy to gain recognition or access global opportunities. Studying at the New York Film Academy helped broaden my perspective, but transitioning from an international education back into the local industry came with its own set of challenges.

Another significant struggle has been modernizing film education. As Head of the Filmmaking Department at KazNUA, I see firsthand how rapidly the industry is changing—new technologies, evolving storytelling techniques, and shifting audience expectations. One of my biggest challenges is ensuring that our students are not just learning traditional filmmaking methods but also staying ahead of industry trends. That’s why we’re currently working on updating and improving the study system to better prepare young filmmakers for real-world challenges.

Additionally, like any creative, I’ve faced moments of self-doubt and uncertainty. Filmmaking is an unpredictable industry, and it requires a strong mindset to keep going despite setbacks. That’s why I always tell my students: Don’t wait for the perfect conditions. Use what you have, focus on your craft, and keep telling stories.

Despite the struggles, every challenge has been a lesson. I wouldn’t change anything about this journey because overcoming obstacles is what makes the victories even more meaningful.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a film director, producer, and educator, currently head of the Filmmaking Department at the Kazakh National University of Arts. I specialize in narrative storytelling and film education, working to modernize film studies and prepare students for the evolving industry.

A major recent milestone is my selection for the Lois Weber Film Festival in Massachusetts, a festival dedicated to showcasing female directors and their contributions to cinema. This recognition is important because it highlights my work internationally and strengthens the presence of Kazakh women in global filmmaking. Representation in film matters, and I’m proud to be part of this movement.

Beyond my own work, I’m focused on creating opportunities for young filmmakers, integrating international practices into our curriculum, and ensuring that the next generation of directors have the tools and confidence to tell their stories.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has been both a twist of fate and a test of resilience in my journey. Good luck brought the right mentors, unexpected opportunities, and international recognition, like my selection for the **Lois Weber Film Festival**—but only after years of dedication.

Bad luck? Plenty. Missed chances, industry hurdles, and challenges in modernizing film education. But I’ve learned that so-called bad luck often pushes you to adapt, grow, and create your own breaks.

In the end, luck favors those who **keep going, keep creating, and stay ready for when the right moment arrives.**

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