Harbour Cinema Club: The Old Man (Shal) - Kazakhstan Edition

We carefully selected the best films from around the world to showcase different cultures through the art of cinema. Each screening is hosted by someone from the film’s country — adding real cultural context and meaning behind it.

Join us for a special screening of The Old Man (Shal), a 2012 Kazakhstani drama film written and directed by Ermek Tursunov which was selected as the Kazakhstani Oscar entry in 2014. Stay after the screening for a relaxed discussion to learn more about cultural background and mentality of Kazakh people.

Why you should join us for this movie?

Shal is a poetic and meditative drama about an old Kazakh shepherd inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, reimagined within the magic landscape of Kazakhstan and adapted to our days. The steppe becomes more than a setting — it emerges as a presence of its own: endless, indifferent, and yet majestic. With conversations limited to brief exchanges, this is a film about the need to do good without expectations of reward or recognition.

What to expect:

Screening - original Kazakstani language with English subtitles

Exlusive video greeting from the film director - Ermek Tursunov

Curated discussion - presentation of the film from a member of our community with insights and history background.

Snacks for the audience are provided by Polonez, an Irish supermaket branch inspired by Eastern Europian traditions.

🎟 Open Entrance: thanks to the EU funding we’re able to make it for free and cover rent-related costs.

A community atmosphere rooted with love and acceptance.

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Host or Publisher Lighthouse Hub