‘Mangilik El’ was a beautiful and touching historical celebration commissioned by the Kazakh President Nazarbaev and the Ministry of Culture for the 550th anniversary of the Kazakh Khanate.

We were commissioned by client Balich Worldwide Shows to design and deliver over 180 minutes of animated content for this colossal and complex set. This consisted of a giant book, two large circles representing sky and earth, as well as two large wings that immersed an exclusive audience, including the presidents of neighbouring countries, in an unforgettable experience. The show involved a cast of 5,000 actors and dancers from the nation, as well as 6 camels!

With only 6 weeks to create the content, we worked tirelessly both in London and on-site in Astana to visualise this rich history, from nomadic times to the present day, drawing on the aesthetic of cultural references and national symbols that proliferate throughout the country.

• Client
  Balich Worldwide Shows
• Creative director
  Marco Balich
• Artistic director
  Lida Castelli
• Production company
  Partizan
• Content design and direction
  Kate Dawkins
• Content producer
  Ruth Illger
• Animation
  Partizan Animation