The film by Adilkhan Yerzhanov is the only Kazakhstani title featured at Berlinale 2025. The European premiere of the post-horror film Cadet, directed by Adilkhan Yerzhanov and produced by Tiger Films, took place at the historic Delphi Filmpalast as part of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. Cadet was selected for the Forum section and became the only film from Kazakhstan presented at this year’s prestigious event.

Director Adilkhan Yerzhanov, actress Anna Starchenko, and composer Sandro Di Stefano personally introduced Cadet to the festival audience. Additional screenings of the Kazakhstani post-horror are scheduled for February 21, 22, and 23 within the Berlinale program.

The story of Cadet revolves around a mother whose son begins to undergo dramatic changes after enrolling in a military school. A series of murders within the school walls seem to point directly to her son. According to the creators, the film is shot in the style of post-horror — without jump scares, focusing not on literal monsters, but on those that dwell within the human soul.

In the autumn of 2024, the Asian premiere of the film took place at the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival, where it received enthusiastic reviews from the first viewers and critics. The film was also praised by Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuarón, who called Cadet an impressive horror.

“…This is one of those rare films where the clear vision of a mature filmmaker is evident, who, through a horror story, addresses universal issues. Yet at the same time, it is very specific, a film about his country and its patriarchal system, without ever preaching or moralizing,” admitted the creator of Gravity and Pan’s Labyrinth in an interview with an Italian publication.

The Berlin International Film Festival has been held annually since 1951 and is one of the most attended and prestigious film events. The jury chair for 2025 is director Todd Haynes, with premieres including Mickey 17 by Bong Joon Ho (Special), Something in the Feathers by Dylan Southern (Special), and others. Actress Tilda Swinton was awarded the honorary Golden Bear for her contribution to world cinema.

The Kazakhstani production company Tiger Films has been operating since 2021 and has released over 40 films to date. Some of its most successful projects include the comedy franchise “Bisharashki,” romantic comedies such as “Aramyzda Istanbul,” “Boydak Kuiyeu – Zhenaty Kholostyak” (“The Married Bachelor”), “Baidyn Qyzyn Alamyn” (“I Will Marry the Rich Girl”), and the dramedy “Nauchi Menia Zhit” (“Teach Me How to Live”). For 2025, the company has scheduled the release of 9 films, including comedies “Qayin Ata vs Kuiyeu Bala,” “Ostrovy. Umitylmas Sayakhat” (“Island. Unforgettable Journey”), and “Biik Sezim” (“High Feelings”).