LOS ANGELES – Aug. 20, 2025 –

We are thrilled to announce 'Shericks,' a gripping drama that has earned two prestigious accolades at the Global Film Festival Awards 2025 in Los Angeles: Best Independent Film and Honorable Mention from the jury. Directed by Nurdulla Balmanov and inspired by the lost masterpiece 'Zhymak Kystary,' this cinematic gem blends nostalgia, cutting-edge techniques, and a profound story about time, forgiveness, and the value of human connections.

About 'Shericks'

When Patricia’s mother mysteriously vanishes during a visit to an old acquaintance, she races to a small border town, only to find herself entangled in a thrilling game of cat and mouse where no one is who they seem. Uncovering shocking secrets from her mother’s hidden past, Patricia pieces together scattered clues to find her before it’s too late. The film masterfully interweaves two eras—2003 and the present—illustrating the clash between youthful dreams and the harsh realities of adulthood.

Star-Studded Cast and Acclaim

In a standout supporting role, Assol Abdullina, a recipient of Best Actress and Best Screenplay awards at the Tribeca Festival 2020, delivers a vibrant and emotionally charged performance that adds depth and charisma to the story. The film also features actors from the original 'Zhymak Kystary' cast, reprising their roles after two decades, alongside fresh talent that brings new energy to this layered drama.

Unique Style and Directorial Vision

Inspired by Martin Scorsese’s 'The Irishman,' Balmanov realized that computer-generated effects don’t always deliver the desired authenticity. This sparked the idea to create a film that aligns its format and timeline with distinct eras, achieving near-documentary realism.

Director Nurdulla Balmanov breathes new life into the project by combining restored VHS footage from the lost 2003 film 'Zhymak Kystary' by Talgat Asyrankulov and Gaziz Nasyrov with newly shot scenes in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The shift between 4:3 and 1.85:1 formats highlights the contrast between the naïve sincerity of youth and the cynical wisdom of maturity. The film is dedicated to production designer Bayish Ismanov, whose life experience inspired the project and whose work on 'Shericks' was his final contribution before his passing.
“'Shericks' is a story about how time shapes us and how loss and forgiveness lead to new discoveries. We’ve crafted a film that moves and inspires,” shares Nurdulla Balmanov.
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