# Kazakhstan's 'Mugalim' Premieres in San Sebastián

> Kazakhstani film 'Mugalim' debuts at San Sebastián Film Festival.
- Title: Kazakhstan's 'Mugalim' Premieres in San Sebastián · Variety
- Summary: Kazakhstani film 'Mugalim' debuts at San Sebastián Film Festival. Kazakhstan's 'Mugalim' premieres in San Sebastián's New Directors section with director…
- Keywords: mugalim, ayana nurdinova, san sebastian, new directors section, kazakhstan, film festival, entertainment, culture, Kazakhstan's, 'Mugalim', Premieres, San
- Source: Variety — https://variety.com/2026/film/global/kazakhstan-mugalim-ayana-nurdinova-premiere-san-sebastian-1236866627
- Author: Roberto Prieto
- Published: 2026-09-20T14:56:50+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mugalim, ayana nurdinova, san sebastian, new directors section, kazakhstan, film festival, entertainment, culture
## Mugalim World Premiere
Kazakhstani film 'Mugalim' had its world premiere at San Sebastián Film Festival on September 20 in the New Directors section.
## Director Ayana Nurdinova
Co-written and directed by Kazakhstani filmmaker Ayana Nurdinova, the film follows a music teacher from Balkhash who dreams of moving to the city.
## Music Teacher's Dream
The teacher leaves his family and students to pursue a big city performance opportunity with his best friend's uncle.
## Poetic Nostalgia
Nurdinova describes the film's 'poetic, slightly fable-like form' as driven by a warm sense of nostalgia.
## What Happens Next
The film explores the teacher's journey to achieve his dream while balancing family obligations and artistic aspirations.
## Key takeaway

Kazakhstan's 'Mugalim' premieres in San Sebastián's New Directors section with director Ayana Nurdinova.