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Aisultan SeitovDirector, music video director
Date of Birth: 31.01.1997
Country:  Kazakhstan |
Content:
- A Rising Star: Aisułtan Seıtov, Kazakhstan's Visionary Filmmaker
- Education and Training
- Breakthrough in Music Video Direction
- Collaboration with Notable Artists
- Controversies and International Recognition
- Personal Life
- Current Projects and Future Endeavors
- Filmography
A Rising Star: Aisułtan Seıtov, Kazakhstan's Visionary Filmmaker
Early Life and Career BeginningsAisułtan Seıtov, born on January 31, 1997, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is a renowned filmmaker and music video director. His journey mirrors that of Timur Bekmambetov, another illustrious Kazakhstani director who started by directing music videos. Seıtov's unconventional approach and experimental style have set him apart, garnering widespread critical acclaim.
Education and Training
Seıtov's passion for filmmaking emerged in his childhood when his Kazakh language teacher introduced him to video editing. In high school, he began creating short films with his friends. After completing his studies at the Kazakhstan-Turkish High School in Astana, he pursued his filmmaking dreams by enrolling at the prestigious New York Film Academy (NYFA). To cover the hefty tuition fees, his family sold their apartment and moved into his grandfather's place.
Seıtov's experience at NYFA was challenging, with a demanding professor who relentlessly critiqued his work. Despite the pressure, he persevered, and his short film "Shakal" won the "Best Director" award at the Hollywood Boulevard Film Festival in Los Angeles.
Breakthrough in Music Video Direction
Upon returning to Moscow, Seıtov set a goal of creating an impressive portfolio by 2017. His first music video, for the Kyrgyz band "Džaja Mijazaki," earned him $1,000. He followed up with collaborations with Kazakhstani artists, including Galymžan Moldanazar and the group Ninety One.
Seıtov's turning point came when he directed the music video for "Lam̆bada" by Skriptonit and T-Fest. This collaboration established him as a talented and versatile director. His subsequent work with Ivan Dorn, including "Collaba," "OTD," and "Afrika," further cemented his reputation. A trip to Uganda for the filming of "Afrika" profoundly impacted Seıtov's artistic outlook.
Collaboration with Notable Artists
Seıtov has directed music videos for a wide range of Russian and international stars, including L'One, Basta, Yelena Temnikova, and Eldzhey. Despite facing creative constraints while working on Eldzhey's "Hey, Guys" video, Seıtov still managed to deliver a visually stunning and memorable product.
A major highlight in Seıtov's career was his collaboration with the rap duo MiyaGi and Andy Panda on their music video "I Got Love" and the short film "Charisma." He also worked with Jah Khalib on several projects, including the highly acclaimed video for "Leyla" and the record-breaking budget video for "Medina."
Controversies and International Recognition
Seıtov's career has not been without its controversies. His music video for Noize MC and Monetochka's song "Childfree" sparked a legal investigation over its alleged promotion of suicide. The director defended his artistic vision, arguing that the video depicts the societal degradation caused by technology.
Seıtov's international breakthrough came when he directed the music video for American rapper Offset from the group Migos. He has since collaborated with 21 Savage on his album track "A Lot" featuring J.Cole. Critics and publications have lauded Seıtov's directorial skills, and he continues to receive lucrative offers from renowned artists worldwide.
Personal Life
Seıtov is in a relationship with Austrian model Aya Shalkar. They met during the filming of the "Medina" music video. Despite their long-distance relationship, their enduring bond has inspired his fans.
Current Projects and Future Endeavors
Seıtov is the founder of the production company QARA, which specializes in music video production and promotion. He remains actively involved in the Kazakhstani, Russian, and international film industries.
Filmography
- "Shakal" (2016)- "Charisma" (2018)
Music Videos
- "Invitation to GazgolderLive" (Skriptonit, 2016)
- "Žanym sol" (Moldanazar, 2017)
- "Medal' na medal'" (L'One, 2017)
- "Collaba" (Ivan Dorn, 2017)
- "Lam̆bada" (Skriptonit, 2017)
- "OTD" (Ivan Dorn, 2017)
- "Vremja pervyh" (L'One, 2017)
- "Leyla" (Jah Khalib, 2017)
- "Childfree" (Noize MC, 2017)
- "I Got Love" (MiyaGi & Andy Panda, 2017)
- "Uleti" (T-Fest, 2017)
- "Kazalsa stranym" (Yelena Temnikova, 2017)
- "Doroga" (L'One, 2017)
- "Hey, Guys" (Eldzhey, 2018)
- "Medina" (Jah Khalib, 2018)
- "Afrika" (Ivan Dorn, 2018)
- "A Lot" (21Savage ft. J.Cole, 2019)
- "Red Room" (Offset, 2019)
