Zhannat Alshanova

Originally from Kazakhstan, Zhannat is a London based writer/director and Berlinale Talents alumna. Zhannat studied the MA in Filmmaking at the London Film School with her graduation short film END OF SEASON (2018) premiering at 71st Cannes Film Festival (Cinefondation). In 2019 Zhannat got selected for Bela Tarr’s directing workshop, where she developed and shot a film PAOLA MAKES A WISH (2019), produced by Locarno Film Festival, CISA and Ticino Film Commission. The film got screened at more than 20 film festivals, including Locarno, Sundance, PÖFF Shorts and it was also featured as Vimeo Staff pick and Short of the week. Zhannat's most recent short film HISTORY OF CIVILIZATION (2020) won Pardino d'argento award at Locarno Film Festival. The film was also selected for TIFF, Hamptons IFF, Clermont-Ferrand, Les Arcs, Cairo IFF and others. Zhannat is currently developing two original feature projects: MOTHER TONGUE which won the ARTE development award at Asian Project Market, and A WINNER IS SEEN AT THE STARTS which won three awards at When East Meets West co-production forum and is also supported by Hubert Bals Script and Development fund.