Zhannat Alshanova

Originally from Kazakhstan, Zhannat ALSHANOVA is a London-based writer/director and producer. She graduated with an MA in Filmmaking from the London Film School. Her work has been shown at numerous international film festivals such as Cannes, TIFF, Sundance, Locarno, Clermont-Ferrand, Camerimage, and has screened at prestigious institutions such as Barbican Centre (UK) and The Asian Film Archive (Singapore). Alshanova’s most recent short film History of Civilization (2020) won the Pardino d’argento award at Locarno film festival.

Her first feature film A Winner is Seen at the Start (2025) has been supported by CineMart 2022 and the Hubert Bals Fund. The project had its world premiere at the Locarno film festival, in the Concorso Cineasti del Presente selection. She has won the Film Centre Serbia development award (WEMW), Pop-up film residency award and Best Woman Director award from European Women’s Audiovisual Network.
Alshanova is a Berlinale Talents alumna. In 2021, she founded her own independent production company – accidental films.

Filmography

(all short) The White Orchid Hotel (2016), End of Season (2018), Paola Makes a Wish (2019), History of Civilization (2020), A Winner is Seen at the Start (2025).

More info: Zhannat Alshanova