A new Mr. KIMEP was crowned during the annual competition in December at the Forum Event Space.
Abdurakhim Isabekov won this year’s competition, which honored Kazakhstan’s cinematic heritage with the theme “Kazakh Films.” The KIMEP Independent Student Association organized the show.
Organizers faced significant challenges leading up to the show. The Great Hall, the usual venue, was unavailable due to renovations. After considering several options, organizers settled on the Forum Event Space. Renting the venue costs 2 million tenge – the maximum budget allocation provided by KIMEP.
“Securing additional funding was difficult,” Malika Tulegenova said. “Attracting sponsors proved challenging, but we managed to cover the extra costs”
The judging panel featured a diverse group of public figures. Blogger Aiyum Kairatovna, Mister KIMEP 2023 runner-up Kamil Shaikhutdinov, ballerina and influencer Zhanbota Koilybayeva, businesswoman Katrin Goltzman, and Kazakh musician Nurik Smith evaluated the participants.
For Isabekov, the road to victory was paved with dedication and support. Preparations took over a month, with his team of 66 people rehearsing several times a week. Coordinating schedules and perfecting performances required commitment from everyone involved.
“We rehearsed three to four times a week, at least two hours each session,” Isabekov said. “My friends gave up their free time despite classes, work, and personal responsibilities. Their support was the backbone of this journey”
Winning the title brought him a whirlwind of emotions. After weeks of intense preparation, the final moment arrived faster than he anticipated.
“It felt like everything ended in a flash,” he said. “I was overwhelmed with joy, especially seeing my friends cheer for me. It was like we all won together.”
The celebration didn’t stop at the event. Later that night, the team gathered at a karaoke lounge to reflect on their journey.
“That’s when it truly hit me that I had won,” Isabekov said. “We spent the night laughing and sharing stories about everything we went through. The memories we made will stick with me forever”
Challenges weren’t limited to the event night. The team navigated numerous logistical setbacks in the weeks leading up to the competition. Missing costumes, delayed props, and incomplete audio tracks threatened to derail the carefully planned performances.
“We faced a lot of last-minute setbacks,” Isabekov said. “But we had contingency plans for every situation, which helped us stay calm on stage. It wasn’t easy, but we pulled through”
The event’s theme added depth to the show, encouraging participants to embrace their cultural heritage through iconic Kazakh films. This creative direction resonated with the audience, highlighting the importance of local cinema in shaping cultural identity.
“Participants drew inspiration from legendary Kazakh movies, which brought a unique originality to the stage,” Tulegenova said. “It wasn’t just a competition—it was a tribute to our culture.
With dedication, teamwork, and resilience, both organizers and participants ensured that Mister KIMEP 2025 was more than just an event—it was a celebration of community and cultural pride.