Nurtas Adambay

Biography: Nurtas Adambay (born 14 December 1981; Dzhambul) is a Kazakh actor, screenwriter, director, and producer. He is a key figure in the country’s film industry, known for his work in both commercial comedy and gritty drama. He first gained popularity through KVN and the sketch show Nasha Kazasha. For many years, he was primarily known as a comedic talent, especially after the success of the series "Escape from Village" (Pobeg iz Aula). His most recognizable project is the "Kelinka Sabina" film franchise, which became one of the most successful domestic releases in the history of Kazakhstan's modern cinema. Nurtas later expanded his career into serious dramatic filmmaking. He wrote, directed, and starred in the crime drama "Taraz" (2016), which was screened at several international festivals and received awards at genre-specific film events in the US. In 2018, he wrote and directed the psychological thriller "Lift", further proving his range behind the camera. Through his own company, Nurtas Production, he continues to develop a wide variety of projects, balancing mainstream hits with auteur-driven cinema.