Bayan Maxatkyzy, born in 1974 in Uralsk, Kazakhstan, is a remarkable figure in the entertainment industry. Hailing from a creative family background, her talents as an actor, TV presenter, and producer have made her a prominent name in Kazakhstan show business. Bayan has achieved significant success and made a lasting impact in the industry.
Being an ambitious individual, Bayan set herself the goal of becoming popular. To achieve this, she would daily board a bus that passed by the "Qazaqfilm" film studio. One day, she managed to capture the attention of a renowned director, which ultimately helped her secure one of the leading roles in Talgat Temenov's 1993 film “Love Station,” turning her into a star. This success laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
As she pursued her education in journalism, Bayan began working with different TV channels, gaining valuable experience in the industry. She later took the initiative to create her own projects, including her production company, Shine Production, allowing her to explore her creative vision and bring unique stories to life.
Nurturing Talent and Shaping the Entertainment Industry
Bayan Maxatkyzy is a prominent figure in Kazakhstan show business, known for her role as a producer and the founder of a successful production company. With a focus on creating high-quality films and developing young talent, Bayan's contributions have had a transformative impact on the entertainment industry in Kazakhstan.
One of Bayan's notable achievements is forming the girl band "KeshYOU" in 2006. Collaborating with her sister, the famous vocalist Bagym Mukhitdenova, KeshYOU quickly became one of the most popular girl bands in the country. This project proved immensely successful, with an annual income of around $500,000. The group's talent and popularity were recognized internationally when they reached the semifinals of the prestigious Turkvision-2013 song contest and received numerous awards in the category of "Best Female Group."
Bayan Maksatkyzy's dedication to nurturing talent extends beyond music. She actively involves the singers from “KeshYOU” in various film and TV series productions, providing them with diverse opportunities to showcase their skills. Through her production center, Bayan has created a platform for several notable protégés who have achieved remarkable success in their respective fields.
Among her protégés, Erke Esmakhan has become a mega-influencer with millions of followers on Instagram, solidifying her status as one of the top social-media influencers in Kazakhstan. Zhanar Dugalova's victory in the Turkvision-2014 music competition propelled her career to new heights. Kamshat Zholdybaeva and Moldir Auelbekova have also gained substantial followings and received prestigious honors. These success stories exemplify Bayan's commitment to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth.
Bayan continues to play the role of a mentor in the lives of young, talented stars such as Zhuldyz Omirgali, Balzhan Bidash, Akbota Nur, Gulnaz Zholanova - recognized actresses, singers, and TV presenters. Bayan has established herself as a powerful force through her production company, creating top-rated films and transforming young talents into household names.
Bayan Maxatkyzy has shaped the entertainment industry in Kazakhstan. From the formation of "KeshYOU" to the success stories of her protégés, she has left an indelible mark on the country's entertainment landscape. Through her visionary approach and support, Bayan continues to elevate the industry by discovering and fostering exceptional talents, ultimately contributing to its growth and success.
Transforming Trauma into Art
Bayan's personal experience of surviving domestic violence in 2016 became a pivotal moment that not only transformed her life but also sparked a national conversation about this important issue. She became a victim of domestic violence, enduring multiple knife wounds inflicted by her husband of 21 years. This traumatic incident highlighted the prevalence of domestic violence and the urgent need for awareness and support in Kazakhstan. With the legal system ensuring justice, Bayan's ex-husband, Bakhytbek Esentaev, was sentenced to nine years of imprisonment in a maximum-security penal colony. The case put a spotlight on the importance of addressing domestic violence and the need for societal change.
Bayan's personal experience of surviving domestic violence served as the inspiration for the powerful film "Baqyt" ("Happiness"). The film shed light on the sensitive topic of domestic violence and garnered widespread acclaim. Its profound impact was recognized internationally when "Baqyt" received the Audience Award at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) in 2022. This prestigious recognition further cemented Bayan's reputation as a talented producer and storyteller. By using her platform to bring attention to the issue of domestic violence, she became an advocate for survivors and a catalyst for societal change.
Bayan Maxatkyzy's journey from victim to advocate showcases her efforts to address the issue of domestic violence. Through her film "Baqyt" and her commitment, she has not only raised awareness but also empowered survivors and initiated conversations that can lead to lasting change in Kazakhstan. Bayan's impact extends beyond the entertainment industry, demonstrating the transformative power of art in addressing social issues.
Bayan Maxatkyzy's influence reaches far beyond her individual achievements. Collaborating with her sister Bagym Mukhitdenova, she has cultivated a powerful circle of sisterhood, creating an environment that nurtures and empowers women in the entertainment industry. Their joint efforts have had a transformative impact on aspiring artists, leading to remarkable success stories.
Bayan's dedication to empowering and bolstering women shines through her establishment of the national beauty pageant "Kazakh Aruy." This initiative emphasizes the significance of knowledge, culture, and language in defining true Kazakh beauty. By creating platforms that celebrate women's achievements and talents, Bayan promotes inclusivity and empowerment within the industry.
Bayan uses her influential social media presence to project an image of an independent, strong, and modern woman who fearlessly expresses her opinions. She regularly addresses political, social, and cultural issues, with a particular focus on promoting gender equality.
Bayan diverges from conventional forms of feminist activism and instead focuses on promoting equal opportunities in education for women. She advocates for a 50% representation of women in Parliament, believing that this gender balance would drive comprehensive social change. Bayan envisions a society with cleaner streets, innovative teaching methods, and transformed childcare facilities and schools. “This is an exclusively female privilege, and women, driven by their natural instinct for self-preservation due to their role in bearing children, remain free from corruption. When this phenomenon becomes widespread in the world, it will bring about a sense of balance.” Bayan's vision embraces gender-balanced transformations that will restore equilibrium in society.
Bayan Maxatkyzy's journey in the entertainment industry is one of resilience, talent, and empowerment. From her early beginnings to her achievements as a producer, mentor, and influencer, she has made a lasting impact on the Kazakhstan show business scene. Her commitment to promoting gender equality, nurturing new talents, and addressing domestic violence exemplifies her passion for making a difference. With her creative endeavors, inspiring leadership, and personal strength, Bayan continues to shape the future of the entertainment industry in Kazakhstan.